Horror Extreme Movie Catalog

The Flesh Eaters is one of the handful of ultra low-budget B-movie shockers made in the US in the 60's that rises above the din. First would be Night of the Living Dead, then the obscure William Shatner "Esperanto" opus - Incubus, third would be Carnival of Souls, and honorable mention goes to this film, The Flesh Eaters.

The Flesh Eaters is a textbook example that a very good (not great, not a "masterpiece" but entertaining and watchable) film can indeed be made on a shoestring. It has a decent script; nice direction; a handful of actors who in my opinion were quite good in their respective roles - especially the mad scientist and drunk actress chick; a few acres of shoreline and a tent for a location and set; and some crude barely passable but fun (and not the worst I've seen by a long stretch in similar films from this era) monster effects - that's it.

The film has withstood the test of time and like its peers I've cited is quite watchable today. This has to due with its edgier sensibilities - sexual undercurrents, and more explicit (but tame by today's standards) gore scenes. (Warning Spoiler) Some have criticized the last 3rd of the film in which the flesh eating parasites morph first into a human-sized crab-like monster, and shortly thereafter an enormous Godzilla-sized monstrosity that must be defeated. But I like the chance the film takes here, kinda delves into Japanese sci-fi land for a spell which was fun and unexpected.

The mad scientist here is particularly ruthless and not shy about offing people. The film plays with a number of conventions like this one. I'm tempted to say that the film - at least the first 2/3rds, is an allegory about alcoholism. Probably not - but maybe.

Anyway, leave logic at the door... If you're they type who unfairly likes to criticize films made before computer graphics for using what they had available and likes to take amateur MST 3000 cheap shots, stay away. This film is not for you. But if you are willing to give older films some latitude, The Flesh Eaters is "a cut above" B-move fun from an era when films had less pretensions and more energy and inventiveness - if not "3D effects"...

For what it is, "Flesh Eaters" is nearly perfect, and would of been a far better choice for the Critereon folks looking for examples of B horror. The film has it all. A silly monster, mad (and horny) Nazi doctor, Beatnik guy who looks like he belongs on Dobie Gillis, jut jawed and windy hero who would give you the shirt off his back - as soon as his girl friend takes her's off (you'll see what I mean), drunk actress, blonde bimbo, and a ridiculous plot. The acting itself makes this one a jaw-dropping must-see. In fact, that's the movie's main attraction, since "special effects" costs were obviously kept to a minimum. Most of these B movies usually have wooden acting, which is, granted, part of their charm. Not so with "Flesh Eaters," which goes in a different direction. Seriously, everyone of the actors must of graduated with honors from the William Shatner School of Over-the-Top Overacting. Special mention goes to Martin Koslick, who as the mad doctor has that particular role nailed down tight for All Time. He could do Nazi Mad Doctor in his sleep. But I'm not even sure he's a Nazi! Whatever. Good stuff!