I don’t know much about Curt Siodmak, but I bet he had some interesting stories concerning at least two of the features he directed. Much like Love Slaves of the Amazon, 1956’s Curucu, Beast of the Amazon was filmed entirely in Brazil. I’m not sure if that applies to interiors which, like that other film, are only cheap sets.
At least there is a fair amount of footage shot in the wilds of that country. While there is still quite a bit of fake jungle mixed in, the location footage looks like they went significantly farther off the grid than just the outskirts of the studio parking lot.
Into the jungle go John Bromfield and Beverly Garland. His character is named Rock Dean, which sounds like an action figure. Small wonder he has about as much personality as one. Garland’s character is a doctor searching for a chemical the head shrinkers use in their trade, one she believes can be used to cure cancer.
It should be awesome she’s a doctor, except I’m not sure which treats her more condescendingly: Bromfield or the movie: The script puts this horrible line in her mouth: “I’m afraid of some things. I’m a woman.” Then there’ Bromfield’s persistent belittling of her: “I know how it is. Can’t get a man, so she chooses a career.” And her asshole boss actually agrees with him!
One thing I did like is how she hires right out from under Bromfield his guide for an excursion into the jungle. Still, she brings Bromfield along on her expedition, though I have no idea why. She’s the one who actually does useful things like save a native’s life by performing an appendectomy.
For a movie that brags so much about how it was filmed entirely in Brazil, the natives are portrayed in the way most movies of this era did—as if those behind the camera couldn’t be bothered to learn anything about the local cultures. There’s even a missionary who claims the indigenous people engage in “devil worship”, so I guess there’s no attempt there to relate to the locals.
Both locals and anglos are being tormented by the titular beast. It is even goofier than I could have hoped it would be. It is difficult to describe, but just think of the stupidest sport’s mascot you’ve ever seen and then imagine if somebody tried to one up that. This is a creature whose eyes are obviously not functional. Surprisingly, this is a hint of a slight twist I think the vast majority of viewers will be able to anticipate.
Some of the footage of Brazil is nice, though none of it is spectacular. Even more than the jungle footage, I appreciated the imagery of the sparkling new buildings designed in the mid-century modern style. Padding out some of the movie is stock footage of piranhas. Other real footage includes a mongoose fighting a snake, and I didn’t need to see that. Needless to say, there isn’t a disclaimer about no animals being harmed in this production.
At best, Curucu may prove some wry amusement in the spirit of MST3K. It is unrepentantly daft and sexist, and without any self-awareness. For those looking for a new drinking game, I recommend that, everytime somebody calls out Rock’s name, everybody else has to yell out either “paper!” or “scrissors!” The last person to do so drinks.
Dir: Curt Siodmak
Starring John Bromfield, Beverly Garland
Watched on Vinegar Syndrome blu-ray