Numerootno
A story that's too fascinating to pass by...
InformationRap
This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.
filippaberry84
I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.
trimbolicelia
Not too bad B-grade late 50's horror film. A trio of Americanos head for a Latin-American country where a family member disappeared while exploring a mysterious cave. When they get to their destination they find surly, silent locals, threats, no cooperation, and a thoroughly creepy, somewhat mad doctor who resides there for the excellent conditions for fungi. It seems the reason the natives are completely rattled is that there is a cave there. It's full of fungi that drips all over like a waterfall of oatmeal and victims, consigned there by our mad doc, who've become walking fungi freaks. A weird time is had by all.
JohnHowardReid
This campy excursion into sci-fi horror is much more entertaining today than when it was first foisted upon unsuspecting, value-for- money-seeking audiences back in 1957. Of course its soap-suds special effects and papier-maché sets can only really be appreciated in their full glory in genuine Regalscope — which affords a better view of lovely Mala Powers and nice May Wynn too. Unknown Terror rates as a distinct cut above the usual Regalscope feature. One reason, of course, is that despite the CinemaScope process being here labeled "Regalscope", this is not entirely a Regal Films Production, but a co-production effort with an indie outfit called Emirau. True, there's still too much talk and too many static camera positions, and even the action scenes could stand a bit of trimming, but the heroine is a beauty and the climax comes across as pretty exciting too (even if the fungus does look a bit too much like soap- suds).It's nice to see John Howard again after all these years. He hasn't aged much, but his acting hasn't improved a great deal either. Good to sight May Wynn too. She certainly makes a lithe native girl, though her role weighs in as not over-large and she is somewhat overshadowed by the stunningly attractive and entrancingly seductive Mala Powers.Warren's direction can accurately be described as effective enough in the action spots. The cavern sets are certainly visually appealing. A bit of money has obviously been expended here, and that largess lends the whole film a fair degree of class. Other credits notch in as serviceable or better.
michaeldukey2000
I remember seeing this as a kid on local TV and being somewhat put out by the fact that you never got a clear look at the infected natives (probably for good reasons) and that the killer fungus monster at the finale was obviously tons of soap suds mixed in with a little dry ice fog. Oddly enough it stuck with me and soon I was putting shampoo in my hair and screaming "The fungus,the fungus!" Still,the leads all do a good straight faced job and the script doesn't contain the amount of Ed Wood style howlers you'd expect it to.As far as I know this is also the last horror film to present calypso singer Sir Lancelot who had appeared in the Val Lewton Films I walked with a Zombie and Curse Of The Cat People. The song "You Got To Suffer To Be Born Again is a mix of genius and absurdity. Highly recommended to anyone who likes old B movies.
drystyx
Only recently have movie makers started to make movies like this again. This movie was one of the hidden gems of science fiction. The plot was basic, with interesting characters, and an exciting story line. One outstanding feature was that the hero was actually disabled. Try getting a script like that past producers in the 70's through the 90's! And he was very likable, dignified character. A team, your basic hero, the girl, and the preppy glory seeking antagonist, search for the girl's brother in a remote cave, and find a few surprises. The monster fungus is scary by any day's standards, due to proper directing techniques. The film works. And it leaves you with a sense of excitement and enjoyment. It is a truly fun movie.
