Cast
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Ken Clark
as Steve Benton
Yvette Vickers
as Liz Walker
Jan Shepard
as Nan Greyson
Michael Emmet
as Cal Moulton
Tyler McVey
as Doc Greyson
Bruno VeSota
as Dave Walker
Gene Roth
as Sheriff Kovis
Dan White
as Porky Reed
George Cisar
as Lem Sawyer
Guy Buccola
as Giant Leech (uncredited)
Joseph Hamilton
as Sam Peters (uncredited)
Walter Kelley
as Mike (uncredited)
Bill Scully
as Search Party Member (uncredited)
Carl Sklover
as Search Party Member (uncredited)
Ross Sturlin
as Giant Leech (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Bernard L. Kowalski
Producer
- Gene Corman
Reviews
hand2a
Suffers massively from an extremely long and boring set-up and not enough giant leeches! B-movie with a huge emphasis on the 'B'. Ace costume work on the actual leeches though once they finally make it on screen. 1.5/5
Jan 16, 2025
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Attack of the Giant Leeches presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Bernard L. Kowalski brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1959, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Attack of the Giant Leeches took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 62 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 107 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1959, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Attack of the Giant Leeches shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Venom, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Attack of the Giant Leeches subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Swamp Ape and The Return of Swamp Thing explore similar territory, Attack of the Giant Leeches stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 1, 1959
- Runtime: 1h 2m
Where to Watch
