The Giant Spider Invasion Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A space rock lands in Wisconsin, unleashes giant spiders that definitely aren’t VW Beetles in costume, and requires scientists and a very chill sheriff to clean up the mess.

🍿 The Giant Spider Invasion: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Mysterious Meteor and Strange Discoveries

A glowing meteor crashes into the Wisconsin countryside near a rural farm, causing electrical disturbances and magnetic anomalies. Local farmer Dan Kester and his wife Ev discover dead cattle on their property and strange rocks near the impact site. These geodes contain unusual crystals and, unbeknownst to them, tiny spiders. NASA scientists Dr. Vance and local astronomer Dr. Jenny Langer investigate the celestial event. They detect unusual energy readings and suspect a connection to a downed B-52 and other strange occurrences reported by Sheriff Jones. Meanwhile, the Kesters, believing the crystals are diamonds, begin collecting the rocks, inadvertently unleashing the spiders.

Spiders Begin to Grow and Attack

As the small spiders hatch, they begin to grow rapidly. Ev Kester, increasingly distressed and drinking heavily, is one of the first victims, attacked by a large spider in her barn. Dan Kester also meets a gruesome end near the impact site, devoured by a much larger arachnid. The giant spider, now the size of a car, starts to rampage through the area, spinning massive webs and attacking anyone it encounters. Its growing presence and destructive path escalate the local panic, forcing scientists and law enforcement to confront the terrifying threat.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Vance (Steve Brodie): A NASA scientist sent to investigate the strange meteor crash and the resulting anomalies in Wisconsin.
• Dr. Jenny Langer (Barbara Hale): A local scientist who assists Dr. Vance in understanding the extraterrestrial origin of the giant spiders.
• Sheriff (Alan Hale Jr.): The overwhelmed local law enforcement officer trying to maintain order and deal with the bizarre events caused by the spiders.
• Kester (Robert Easton): A scheming farmer who first discovers the meteor and the spider-filled geodes on his property, leading to disastrous consequences.
• Ev (Leslie Parrish): Kester’s alcoholic wife whose declining state is initially blamed for the appearance of smaller spiders.
• Terry (Diane Lee Hart): Ev’s teenage sister who becomes one of the early victims threatened by the growing spider infestation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ev Kester: “Sometimes the only way I know you’re alive is when I hear you flush the toilet!” – Ev shouts this at her husband Dan during an argument, highlighting their strained and neglectful relationship.
• Sheriff Jones: “He’s a strange man and he’s building up a big head of steam.” – Sheriff Jones makes a folksy observation about Dan Kester, understating the danger he poses.
• Dr. Jenny Langer: “Vaaaaaaaaaaaaance!” – Dr. Langer repeatedly screams Dr. Vance’s name in moments of panic or surprise, notably when encountering the giant spider.
• Dr. Vance: “Keep the spider there! KEEP THE SPIDER THERE!” – Dr. Vance gives frantic and absurd instructions to the Sheriff over the radio while the giant spider is actively attacking.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $300,000
• Domestic Gross: $293,053
• Worldwide Gross: $293,053

💥 The Giant Spider Invasion Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I first saw ‘The Giant Spider Invasion’ thanks to MST3K, and honestly, that’s probably the best way to experience it. But even watching it ‘straight,’ there’s just something magical about how terrible it is. I mean, that spider! It’s clearly a car, and they barely try to hide it. Seeing it waddle across the screen is just pure, unadulterated joy. Plus, Alan Hale Jr. as the sheriff is gold – you keep expecting him to call someone ‘little buddy.’ It hits all the right notes for delightfully cheesy B-movie fun. You just can’t take it seriously, and that’s the whole point.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of B-movies and ‘so bad it’s good’ cinema”
  • “Cult film enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy monster movie tropes”
  • “MST3K fans”
  • “Those interested in 1970s low-budget horror/sci-fi”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Creature violence and gore (victims eaten, blood)”
  • “Brief nudity (topless scene)”
  • “Implied themes of adultery and problematic relationships”
  • “Scenes of panic and destruction”

Professional Reviews

• Cult Film Quarterly: “Bill Rebane’s ‘The Giant Spider Invasion’ is less a cinematic achievement and more a cultural artifact of 70s drive-in schlock. While technically inept with its famously low-budget effects (yes, the VW Beetle spider is real!), the film possesses an undeniable, bizarre charm. The earnest performances from actors like Barbara Hale and Alan Hale Jr. contrast hilariously with the absurd premise, creating a unique, unintentionally funny experience. It’s a film best enjoyed with an appreciative audience ready to embrace its glorious flaws.
• Sci-Fi Sewer Review: “This movie is a technical disaster from start to finish. The pacing is uneven, the sound is poor, and the special effects… well, they’re the stuff of legend for all the wrong reasons. Yet, there’s a certain chaotic energy to it that prevents it from being entirely dull. The sheer absurdity of the plot and the sight of that rubbery, car-based spider trundling across the landscape provides moments of genuine, albeit unintentional, hilarity. A prime example of ‘so bad it’s good’ cinema.
• Wisconsin Journal Sentinel (Retro Review): “Filmed right here in Wisconsin, this monster flick holds a special, cheesy place in local history. While not a masterpiece by any stretch, it’s a fun, nostalgic romp filled with local color and wonderfully terrible creature effects. Seeing familiar landscapes threatened by… whatever that giant spider is supposed to be… is strangely endearing. The cast, including TV veterans, lean into the material with varying degrees of success, but it’s the earnest effort behind the low-budget spectacle that makes it memorable.

Audience Reactions

The giant spider, clearly a decorated car, is an unforgettable highlight.: Most viewers agree it’s ‘so bad it’s good’ and a perfect candidate for watching with friends or comedic commentary.

Alan Hale Jr.’s performance as the Sheriff is a fan favorite.: Many enjoy pointing out the numerous technical flaws and plot inconsistencies, which add to the film’s humor.

It’s a classic example of low-budget 70s creature features.: Fans appreciate its cult status and the nostalgic feeling it evokes for drive-in movies or late-night creature features.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Giant Spider Invasion’ is widely regarded as a technically poor but hilariously entertaining B-movie cult classic, largely celebrated for its famously bad special effects and unintentional comedy.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The giant spiders were primarily constructed by covering Volkswagen Beetles with artificial fur and operating the legs from the inside by crew members.”
• “The film was shot on a relatively low budget of $300,000 but went on to gross over $4 million at the box office, making it a significant financial success for director Bill Rebane.”
• “The movie was filmed on location in and around Gleason, Wisconsin, using many local residents as extras.”
• “The film gained significant cult status after being featured in an episode of the television series ‘Mystery Science Theater 3000’.”
• “Several cast members had family connections: Kevin Brodie is the son of actor Steve Brodie, and Bill Williams (who played Dutch the barman) was the husband of actress Barbara Hale (Dr. Jenny Langer).”

🖥️ How to Watch The Giant Spider Invasion?

While ‘The Giant Spider Invasion’ is not widely available on major subscription streaming services like Netflix or Max, you can often find it available for rent or purchase digitally on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Physical media enthusiasts may also find DVD or Blu-ray releases available for purchase from online retailers like Amazon or specialty movie sites. Check these platforms for current availability and pricing, and consider purchasing options to own this cult classic.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Giant Spider Invasion, you might like these similar films:

• Tarantula! 1955: A classic giant monster movie from the 1950s, featuring a single enlarged arachnid created by science.
• Them! 1954: Another highly-regarded giant insect film from the 1950s ‘big bug’ era, involving ants mutated by radiation.
• Kingdom of the Spiders 1977: A contemporary 1970s nature-strikes-back film, featuring unusually aggressive normal-sized spiders overwhelming a town, starring William Shatner.
• Plan 9 from Outer Space 1957: Often cited as one of the worst movies ever made, it shares a similar reputation for low-budget filmmaking, questionable effects, and unintentional humor, making it a cult classic among ‘bad movie’ fans.
• Sharknado 2013: A modern intentionally campy monster movie with a ridiculous premise and low-budget CGI effects, appealing to audiences who enjoy ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ creature features.
• Squirm 1976: An era-specific alternative from the 1970s ‘eco-horror’ trend, focusing on nature turning against humans, featuring aggressive worms after a storm.

🛒 The Giant Spider Invasion Related Products

• The Giant Spider Invasion (Special Edition Blu-ray): Own the cult classic in high definition! This special edition Blu-ray often includes interviews with the cast and crew, behind-the-scenes footage, and other bonus features celebrating the film’s unique legacy.
• Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Giant Spider Invasion Episode: Watch the movie with hilarious commentary from Mike Nelson and the bots! This is the version that introduced many to the film’s particular brand of charm.
• Classic Sci-Fi Monster Movie Collection: A compilation of classic low-budget sci-fi and monster films from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Perfect for fans of ‘The Giant Spider Invasion’ looking for similar genre fare.
• Novelty Large Plush Spider Toy: A fun, oversized plush spider. While not looking like the film’s ‘star’, it’s a playful nod to the movie’s central creature theme.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Giant Spider Invasion features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Scorched Earth” – performed by Trevor Duncan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Best of MST3K’s Giant Spider Invasion

Want to see why this movie is a B-movie legend? Check out the absolute funniest moments from its Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode – trust me, the jokes are gold!

All The Wisconsin and Green Bay Packers References in MST3K’s Giant Spider Invasion Episode.

Ever wonder about all the specific inside jokes in the MST3K version? This video cuts together all the Wisconsin and Packers references, giving you a cool look at the local flavor they added – it’s more than just spider jokes!

✨ Rate