episode #13 - Tourist Attraction

Air Date: 12/23/63 writer: Dean Reisner Director: Laslo Benedek

This was a rather odd one, attempting to combine two different themes. The first act reminded me of The Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954), meaning the discovery and capture of some unknown aquatic lifeform. There's also mention of Dead Gods in the opening narration, suggesting that there may be more to this amphibious creature than we think, but this doesn't pan out well. The rest of the episode turns into a parable about how despotic regimes may get their comeuppance if they mess with Mother Nature (or, the natural forces of the world).
Ralph Meeker plays the cynical hunter who captures the beast, while Henry Silva is the friendly yet ruthless dictator of some small South American nation - but they have both been better utilized in more effective roles; both are usually great as villains; here, they kind of underplay their roles. Silva plans to set up this discovered creature as a tourist attraction - he's full of great ideas for his country - but oversteps himself. However, there's no real punchline and the denouement feels very old hat. BoG's Score: 5 out of 10