Trog (DVD)
Steve Barton
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Starring Joan Crawford, Michael Gough, Bernard Kay, Kim Braden, David Griffin
Directed by Freddie Francis
Distributed by Warner Home Video
Since the advent of DVD there’s one movie I have been eagerly awaiting for what seems like forever. That movie is Trog. Honestly, I don’t have the slightest idea why. I guess it’s just one of those things, ya know? The first time Trog entered my life was many, many moons ago. It’s an endearing family favorite of mine. Needless to say when Warner Home Video announced its release, there was much rejoicing in the Creepy household. Finally it arrived, and my heart soared and sank both at the same time.
In her final onscreen appearance Joan Crawford plays an anthropologist by the name of Dr. Brockton. The good doctor has just stumbled upon the world’s most important discovery — a living troglodyte whom she lovingly refers to as Trog. What does she do with said caveman? (Hint: It has nothing to do with wire hangers.) She tries educating him of course! All this comes much to the chagrin of the local villain, Sam Murdock (Gough), who thinks the beast is an abomination that must be exterminated at all costs. After some truly laughable setups Trog escapes and begins terrorizing the countryside with Crawford hot on his tail and armed with a “hypo-gun”.
The first thing you’ll notice about Trog other than the near naked burly man in the bad Halloween mask is how violent it is. After just seeing the surpisingly good Live Free or Die Hard, I was shocked at what this little flick got away with despite its PG rating. Victims hung by the neck on meathooks? Oh, hell yeah!
The second thing you’ll notice is what this film is mainly known for … seeing former Hollywood royalty circle the proverbial drain. Crawford’s performance here is more like watching a swan dying instead of a swan song. This woman’s personal demons are far more terrifying than any fanged furball, and it all shows on the screen. Oh well, you know how the story goes — it’s better to burn out than to fade away.
Remember that line about my heart sinking? My head is still ablaze with anger over the complete and total lack of supplemental material to be found here. I understand that this is not what you would call a blockbuster film in need of a special two-disc edition, but come on, guys, not even a trailer? Even The Giant Behemoth had that! Maybe a still gallery? Anything? Anyone? Hello?
Oh well. At least now I can throw away my old VHS and DVDr copies.
While not a classic by any stretch of the imagination, Trog is still a damned fine little monster movie and stands proudly as one of the best bad flicks you will ever see!
Special Features
*crickets chirping*
3 out of 5
Special Features:
0 out of 5
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