Tarantula
Seen it?1955 | 80 min | Science Fiction, Horror
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for horror fans and sci-fi fans. If you loved The Incredible Shrinking Man or Invasion of the Body Snatchers, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Scary.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 20 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1955: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A rogue scientist near a small desert town arouses the suspicion of the town's doctor when his lab assistant is found dead from a case of acromegaly, which took only four days to develop. As the doctor investigates, aided by the scientist's new female assistant, they discover that something is devouring local cattle and humans in increasingly large quantities.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.5 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$1 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 41K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
It Came from Outer Space Sunday Safe BetAlso from director Jack Arnold: a small-town sci-fi film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Incredible Shrinking Man
Saturday SpecialAlso from director Jack Arnold: a sci-fi film, and a Saturday Special.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed small-town sci-fi film.
The Car
Monday Morning MaybeAnother small-town horror film. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Island of Lost Souls Saturday SpecialAnother sci-fi film that's easy to miss.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Jack Arnold
- John AgarDr. Matt Hastings
- Mara CordayStephanie 'Steve' Clayton
- Leo G. CarrollProf. Gerald Deemer
- Nestor PaivaSheriff Jack Andrews
- Ross ElliottJoe Burch
- Hank PattersonJosh
- Eddie ParkerPaul Lund / Eric Jacobs / Airport Workman
- Bert HollandBarney Russell
- Raymond BaileyDr. Townsend
- Steve DarrellAndy Andersen