Cast
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Crew
Director
- Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr.
Writer
- Dan E. Weisburd
- Jean Yeaworth
Producer
- Jack H. Harris
Reviews
Wuchak
_**The “Jurassic Park” of its day**_
While using explosives to build a harbor on a Caribbean island, a construction crew unearths a frozen tyrannosaurus, a brontosaurus and a caveman. They’re eventually regenerated during a storm and naturally terrorize the islanders. Ward Ramsey plays the construction boss and Kristina Hanson his girlfriend. Fred Engelberg is on hand as the abusive island authority.
"Dinosaurus!" (1960) is a ‘B’ creature feature with a 50’s residue (being shot in 1959), but it was the “Jurassic Park” of its day, featuring stop-motion & miniature F/X mixed with puppets for close-ups. The story is simple, but it’s compelling entertainment; including a couple of laugh-out-loud moments with the Neanderthal (Gregg Martell). Kristina Hanson is fetching, especially in her one-piece bathing suit in the opening, but more shoulda been done with her than prancing around in a long dress (I’m thinking in terms of Beth Rogan in “Mysterious Island,” which was released the next year).
A shot of the Tyrannosaurus was used six years later for the episode of Gilligan’s Island where Gilligan dreamed that the castaways were living in prehistoric times.
The film runs 1 hour, 23 minutes and was shot at St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
GRADE: B
Jul 4, 2020
Thematic Analysis
This Science Fiction/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Dinosaurus! presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr. 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 1960, 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 Dinosaurus! took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 808 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1960, when this film was released:
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dinosaurus! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike April Fool's Day, which focuses more on action than character development, Dinosaurus! subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Turtle Island and Hydra explore similar territory, Dinosaurus! 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: July 20, 1960
- Runtime: 1h 25m
Where to Watch
