The Killer Shrews (1959)

“The Killer Shrews” is a 1959 American independent science fiction horror film directed by Ray Kellogg. The movie is a classic example of 1950s B-horror movie, known for its low-budget special effects and campy storyline. The plot revolves around a group of people trapped on an isolated island. Thorne Sherman (played by James Best) is a captain who arrives on the island with his first mate, Rook Griswold, to deliver supplies. They meet Dr. Marlowe Cragis (Baruch Lumet), his daughter Ann (Ingrid Goude), and other inhabitants who warn them about the dangerous shrews,

which have become mutated and extremely aggressive due to a failed scientific experiment. The shrews, which are now gigantic and voracious, hunt the humans, leading to a fight for survival. The film builds tension as the characters try to escape the island while avoiding the killer shrews.

Ray Kellogg, primarily known for his special effects work, directed the film. Kellogg’s background in effects is evident in the creative, albeit low-budget, approach to depicting the shrews. He also directed films such as The Giant Gila Monster (1959),

My Dog, Buddy (1960), and The Green Berets (co-directed with John Wayne and Mervyn LeRoy (1968)). The film was produced by Ken Curtis, who also played Jerry Farrel in the movie. Curtis later became well-known for his role as Festus Haggen on the television series “Gunsmoke.” The screenplay was written by Jay Simms. Despite its low budget, the production team managed to deliver a suspenseful story with a tight runtime of 69 minutes, which helped maintain a brisk pace throughout the film.

“The Killer Shrews” was filmed on location near Dallas, Texas. The outdoor settings added a genuine sense of isolation and danger, crucial for the film’s atmosphere. The cinematography by Wilfred M. Cline employed practical lighting and clever angles to maximize the limited budget and enhance the eerie, claustrophobic feel of the island setting. The costumes in “The Killer Shrews” are typical of the late 1950s,

with characters dressed in practical attire suitable for an island setting. However, the standout feature is the portrayal of the shrews. Due to budget constraints, the filmmakers used coonhounds dressed in shrew costumes for close-up shots, combined with large, puppet-like shrew heads for other scenes. This low-budget approach has become one of the film’s most memorable and discussed aspects, often cited in discussions of B-movie special effects.

The films score composer, Emil Cadkin, was also song writer for The Hellcats, and music editor or composer for The Big Fix, Hazel, The Donna Reed Show, Quick Draw McGraw, The Huckleberry Hound Show, Dennis the Menace, and Father Knows Best. Upon its release, “The Killer Shrews” was met with mixed reviews.

Critics often pointed to the implausible special effects and the simplistic plot. However, the film has since gained a cult following for these very reasons. Its unintentional humor and earnest attempt at horror have endeared it to fans of vintage science fiction and horror cinema. The film’s legacy is also cemented by its inclusion in the first season of the television show

“Mystery Science Theater 3000,” where it was affectionately mocked. In 2012, a sequel was released entitled Return of the Killer Shrews. James Best co-wrote the film and reprised his role of Thorne Sherman. Bruce Davison appeared as Jerry Farrell (replacing the deceased Ken Curtis). It also featured Jon Schneider, who had co-starred with Best on the TV series The Dukes of Hazzard.