General Information

Director: Larry Hagman

Writers: Jack Woods and Anthony Harris

Cast: Robert Walker, Gwynne Gilford, Richard Stahl, Richard Webb, Marlene Clark, Gerrit Graham, J.J. Johnston, Danny Goldman, Rockne Tarkington, Dick Van Patten, Tiger Joe Marsh, Tim Baar, Fred Smoot, Randy Stonehill, Del Close, Cindy Williams, Preston Hagman, John Houser, Larry Norman, Robert N. Goodman, Patrick McAllister, William B. Foster, Byron Keith, Margie Adleman, Shelley Berman, Godfrey Cambridge, Larry Hagman, and Carol Lynley

Composer: Mort Garson

Release Date: 6/21/1972

MPAA Rating: GP

Overview

Accidentally defrosted by oil pipeline worker Chester Hargis (Godfrey Cambridge), the Blob escapes confinement and preys on unsuspecting flies, kittens, and hippies for nourishment. Following the disappearance of Chester and his wife Mariane (Marlene Clark), teenagers Bobby Hartford (Robert Walker) and Lisa Clark (Gwynne Gilford) warn the patrons of a local bowling alley that the Blob—now thoroughly enormous—presents a grave danger to everyone inside.

A loose remake of The Blob, this film should be commended for its campy humor and celebrity cameos. Diehard enthusiasts of the 1958 version may, however, wish to avoid Beware! The Blob, which fails to provide a fresh and original twist on the premise of a gigantic, amorphous alien monster wreaking havoc on a small American town.

Pros

Trapped in a skating rink with Lisa and the manager, Bobby attempts to thwart the cold-averse Blob by climbing an overhead wire, dangling above the creature, and activating the freezing switch before the sheriff and his posse can burn the establishment to the ground—a suspenseful maneuver that allows this film to recapture, if only for a few moments, the claustrophobic tension of its predecessor from 1958.

Cons

Beware! The Blob features a number of goofy, bizarre situations that detract from the threatening presence of the eponymous creature. In one scene, for example, a young hippie (now in the process of receiving a $400 shampoo/haircut combo) is devoured by the Blob, who, having crawled through a drain opening, makes a home for itself in one of the barbershop sinks—an idea that, though somewhat clever on paper, is hampered by a ridiculous, over-the-top execution. (The 1988 remake of The Blob, in contrast, offers a more serious and terrifying take on the Blob-drain concept.)

Analysis

?

Concluding Comments

Beware! The Blob benefits from the performance of Robert Walker Jr. (known to science fiction fans for playing Charlie Evans in Star Trek: The Original Series), whose protagonist role parallels that of Steve McQueen in the original film. That being said, this lackluster sequel/remake is marred by hippie hijinks, tonal inconsistencies, and cartoonish death sequences.

Overall Quality: 3/10

If you enjoyed this post, please enter your email address in the subscription box to stay tuned for more updates.