Attack Of The Crab Monsters (1957)

Directed and produced by Roger Corman, Attack of the Crab Monsters is a 62-minute science fiction-horror film released by Allied Artists on February 10, 1957. Written by Charles B. Griffith, the film is a quintessential example of 1950s atomic-era paranoia, blending monster mayhem with speculative science. It stars Richard Garland, Pamela Duncan, and Russell Johnson, and was paired as a double feature with Corman’s Not of This Earth.

Plot Summary
A scientific expedition travels to a remote Pacific island to investigate the disappearance of a previous team studying the effects of nuclear radiation. Upon arrival, they discover that the island is being consumed by giant, mutated crabs that have absorbed the minds of their victims and communicate telepathically.

As the island literally crumbles beneath them, the scientists struggle to survive and destroy the creatures before they can reproduce and spread beyond the island. The crabs grow increasingly intelligent and manipulative, turning the expedition into a psychological and physical nightmare.

Cast Highlights

• Richard Garland as Dale Brewer
• Pamela Duncan as Martha Hunter
• Russell Johnson as Hank Chapman
• Leslie Bradley as Dr. Karl Weigand
• Mel Welles as Jules Deveroux
• Richard H. Cutting, Beach Dickerson, and Tony Miller in supporting roles

Trivia & Behind the Scenes

• The film was shot in just under a week, with a budget estimated between $70,000 and $85,000, yet grossed nearly $1 million, making it one of Corman’s most profitable early efforts
• The crab monsters were designed using papier-mâché and rubber, operated by crew members in full-body suits; their crude appearance added to the film’s camp appeal
• The monsters’ ability to absorb human minds and speak telepathically was a novel twist, adding a layer of psychological horror to the creature feature formula
• Russell Johnson, later famous as the Professor on Gilligan’s Island, plays a key role as the rational scientist
• The film’s title was chosen for maximum exploitation value, with Corman insisting that the story deliver on the promise of “attack,” “crab,” and “monsters”
• Screenwriter Charles B. Griffith later said the film was meant to be absurd and satirical, though it was played straight for audiences
• The island setting was created using California coastal locations and studio sets, with clever editing to simulate erosion and collapse
• The film’s success helped launch Corman’s reputation as the king of low-budget horror, and paved the way for future creature features like The Wasp Woman and It Conquered the World

Legacy
Attack of the Crab Monsters is a cult classic of atomic-era horror, notable for its telepathic monsters, claustrophobic setting, and resourceful production. It exemplifies the fears of radiation and mutation that dominated 1950s sci-fi, while showcasing Corman’s flair for turning minimal resources into maximum entertainment.