Huge murderous behemoth Vargas (hulking Buddy Baer, the brother of Max Baer of "The Beverly Hillbillies" fame) terrorizes a small California country hamlet. The frightened townspeople believe Vargas is the reincarnation of an infamous Spanish Conquistador who was killed in the mountains many years ago. Folksy anthropologist Dr. Frederick Cleveland (excellently played by Morris Ankrum), his fetching daughter Janet (the really charming and attractive Sally Fraser), and affable local Wayne Brooks (an engaging portrayal by Edward Kemmer) run into Vargas during an expedition into the woods. Director Richard Cunha maintains a steady pace throughout, does a good job of creating a pretty eerie atmosphere, and stages the shock scenes with a reasonable amount of aplomb. Cunha's sharp black and white cinematography, the pleasingly trim 77 minute running time and Albert Glasser's roaring full-tilt orchestral score are all on the money solid. Nice supporting performances by Bob Steele as stern, no-nonsense Sheriff Parker, Gary Crutcher as nice guy Charlie Brown, Jolene Brand as Charlie's sweet gal pal Ann, and Billy Dix as crazy doomsayer Indian Joe. The legendary Jack ("Frankenstein") Pierce did the crusty make-up for Vargas. An enjoyable romp.
Review of Giant from the Unknown
