The Killer Shrews
The Killer Shrews, made in 1959, is everything a B-movie should be. Really really bad, really really funny, and awesome entertainment. IMDB give this film 2.5/10 which is probably 2.5 more than it actually deserves in terms of artistic merits, but who cares! Ray Kellog manages to direct this truly dreadful script with flair and panache and the lovely black-and-white lightening is done to a tee – especially during the faked up storm sequences.
Basically, the dubiously named Captain Thorne Sherman (James Best) arrives on an island with a cargo of supplies for a mad scientist. Sadly, the mad scientist has been busy training EVIL KILLER SHREWS which, as you’d expect, have broken free and are RUNNING AMOK on the island. Some nice characterisation, an interesting semi-abusive love triangle, and a few moments demonstrating that the “hero” is actually a bit of a murderous sod make this a little more thought provoking than most monster movies, but who cares! The titular shrews (oobits dressed up) manage to gallop around cheerfully and steal the scene every time they appear – especially the bit with the kitchen door.
You’ll be able to pick this movie up (along with The Giant Gila Monster and The Giant Leeches (see a theme here?)) in a box called “Monster Attack” available for tuppence at most disreputable discount bookshops or here
Leave a Comment