Tarantula! Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A scientist tries to solve world hunger by making everything HUGE, but accidentally creates a house-sized spider that’s just really, really hungry… and also there’s Clint Eastwood.

🍿 Tarantula!: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Mysterious Death in the Desert

Dr. Matt Hastings is called to examine the body of Eric Jacobs, found dead in the Arizona desert. Jacobs’s disfigured features suggest a rapid onset of acromegaly, baffling the doctor. The deceased was a research scientist working with the reclusive Professor Gerald Deemer.

The Experiment Gone Wrong

Professor Deemer is secretly experimenting with a growth nutrient designed to increase the world’s food supply. He’s been injecting lab animals, including a tarantula, with astonishing results. However, his other assistant, Paul Lund, becomes afflicted with the same disfigurement as Jacobs.

Rampage and Escape

The crazed Paul attacks Deemer, injecting him with the nutrient and setting the giant tarantula loose during a lab fire. Deemer covers up the incident, burying Paul’s body. The tarantula escapes into the desert, now growing larger by the hour.

Arrival of Stephanie and Growing Suspicions

Dr. Stephanie ‘Steve’ Clayton arrives as Deemer’s new assistant, and Matt becomes romantically interested in her. As livestock and people are found devoured in the desert, Matt discovers pools of insect venom, leading him to suspect something unnatural is at play. Deemer also begins showing signs of the same disfigurement, raising Stephanie’s concerns.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Matt Hastings (John Agar): The town doctor who investigates the mysterious deaths and ultimately confronts the giant tarantula.
• Stephanie ‘Steve’ Clayton (Mara Corday): The scientist who arrives to assist Professor Deemer and becomes involved in the investigation.
• Prof. Gerald Deemer (Leo G. Carroll): The scientist experimenting with growth hormones, whose actions unleash the giant tarantula.
• Tarantula (N/A): A spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting in gigantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants.
• Sheriff Jack Andrews (Nestor Paiva): The local law enforcement officer who assists in the investigation and attempts to protect the town.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Stephanie ‘Steve’ Clayton: “Science is science, but a girl MUST get her hair done.” – Said with humor, showing her as intelligent, but also not one to let science take over her whole life.
• Prof. Gerald Deemer: “We’re using the power of the atom to bind this solution!” – Deemer excitedly explaining the basis for the growth serum to Stephanie.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $350,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: $1,100,000
• Worldwide Gross: $1,100,000

💥 Tarantula! Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched ‘Tarantula’ last night, and I have to say, it’s way better than I expected. The giant spider is totally ridiculous, but in the best way possible. I jumped when it peeked into the girl’s bedroom window! Plus, seeing a super young Clint Eastwood at the end was a fun surprise. It’s definitely a classic for a reason. I would watch it again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic 1950s science fiction movies”
  • “Monster movie enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in practical effects and vintage cinema”
  • “Those who enjoy stories about science gone wrong”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild science fiction violence”
  • “Scenes of a giant spider attacking animals and humans”
  • “Visually disturbing images of disfigured faces”
  • “Brief moments of suspense”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Tarantula delivers thrills with well-crafted suspense and effective special effects, making it a standout in the 1950s sci-fi horror genre. The performances are solid, enhancing the film’s impact.
• AllMovie: “Jack Arnold’s direction elevates Tarantula above typical B-movie fare, creating a genuinely creepy atmosphere. The use of a real tarantula, combined with impressive miniatures, makes the giant spider a truly menacing presence.

Audience Reactions

The practical effects of the giant spider are surprisingly effective and creepy.: Viewers appreciate the suspenseful buildup and the overall fun, campy nature of the film.

Leo G. Carroll’s portrayal of the scientist is captivating and slightly unsettling.: Fans commend the film for its solid storytelling and memorable moments.

Overall Consensus: Tarantula is a beloved classic of 1950s sci-fi horror, praised for its suspense, practical effects, and overall entertainment value, though some find its premise and execution campy.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The spider used to portray the giant tarantula was a real tarantula, achieved by using forced perspective and miniature sets.”
• “Clint Eastwood appears in an uncredited role as the jet squadron leader who ultimately destroys the tarantula with napalm. This was one of his earliest film roles.”
• “The film’s premise reflects Cold War anxieties about scientific advancements and their potential for unintended consequences.”

🖥️ How to Watch Tarantula!?

As a classic film, ‘Tarantula!’ is available for purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability as part of a subscription, or look for options to rent or buy the movie digitally. Physical copies (DVDs and Blu-rays) are often available online and in retail stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Tarantula!, you might like these similar films:

• Them! (1954): Direct comparison: Another classic ‘giant bug’ movie from the same era, dealing with the threat of mutated ants.
• The Black Scorpion (1957): Direct comparison: Another giant monster movie featuring giant scorpions terrorizing Mexico, featuring similar special effects and Cold War themes.
• Eight Legged Freaks (2002): Modern Equivalent: A more recent and comedic take on the giant spider trope, with a town overrun by mutated spiders.
• The Deadly Mantis (1957): Era-Specific Alternative: Another monster movie where a giant prehistoric insect escapes and threatens civilization.

🛒 Tarantula! Related Products

• Tarantula! (Blu-ray): High-definition transfer with bonus content, including behind-the-scenes featurettes and commentary.
• Vintage Movie Poster: Tarantula! (Reproduction): A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, capturing the iconic imagery and vibrant colors of the era.
• Tarantula! (Inspired T-Shirt): Classic movie poster imagery printed on premium quality material.
• Giant Spider Prank Kit: This kit comes with a realistic-looking, large tarantula toy to scare your friends and family! Create hilariously terrifying moments.

🎧 Soundtrack

Tarantula! features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Herman Stein
• “Desert Rock” – performed by Henry Mancini
• “Venom” – performed by Herman Stein

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Untold History of Spider Movies

Ever wondered why giant spider movies are so popular? This video dives deep into the history of the genre, and it’s super interesting to see how ‘Tarantula!’ fits into the bigger picture. I never thought about it this way before!

✨ Rate