When scientists exploring the Amazon River stumble on a “missing link” connecting humans and fish, they plan to capture it for later study. But the Creature has plans of his own, and has set his sights on the lead scientist's beautiful fiancée, Kay.
Practical Effects
Ricou Browning's underwater suit still slaps 70 years later.
Cinematography
Underwater stalking shots invented a whole aesthetic.
Costume
The Gill-man design: peak Universal monster hotness.
Director
Jack Arnold
Richard Carlson
Dr. David Reed
Julie Adams
Kay Lawrence
Richard Denning
Dr. Mark Williams
Antonio Moreno
Dr. Carl Maia
Nestor Paiva
Captain Lucas
Whit Bissell
Dr. Edwin Thompson
Bernie Gozier
Zee
Ricou Browning
The Gill Man In Water (uncredited)
Art Gilmore
Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
Perry Lopez
Tomas (uncredited)
Rodd Redwing
Luis (uncredited)
Ben Chapman
The Gill Man On Land (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Two different actors played the Creature: Ben Chapman on land, Ricou Browning underwater. Browning held his breath for 4+ minutes per take.
The underwater 'Creature swims beneath Kay' sequence directly inspired the opening of Jaws—Steven Spielberg has called it 'perfection.'
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