GOG (1954)

As Monday passed by and I started working on my new class in school, Digital Literacy, my day was filled with activity. Between finishing up teaching VHF Communications, sitting through an online meeting, and dealing with more cold weather, I could not ask for anything better. When I sat down to relax and find something to watch, I decided that it was time to venture back into the land of the Digital Immigrant for the 1954 Sci-Fi classic GOG.

Plot/ A security agent investigates sabotage and murder at a secret underground laboratory, home of two experimental robots.

This one had been taunting me for some time until I broke down and watched it. I am glad that I did. This was an interesting and realistic take on early science based suspense.  In many ways, this Sci-Fi gem of the early 1950s is actually a precursor to real technology of today, portraying it perfectly within the heart of the Cold War tensions of the day. The acting was solid, the effects good and the storyline and the cinematography works. On top of that, the robots GOG and MAGOG are curious, especially considering the age of the film. Yes, some of the scripting may drag some of the pacing in the middle and some of the action scenes miss the mark, but for a film that is almost 60-years old, some flaws are expected. In the end, GOG is one of those Saturday Sci-Fi Matinee Classics that are entertaining and fun; perfect for fans of classic Sci-Fi. 

The Snow Creature (1954)

As I moved forward in watching creature related flicks for Cryptozoology Week, I decided to watch go all the back to the early 1950s for the Yeti inspired The Snow Creature from 1954.

Plot/ American botanical expedition in the Himalayas stumbles across a Yeti den, capture one and transport it back to Los Angeles, where it escapes while customs officials are debating whether it is animal or human.

Shot way before the Bigfoot craze of the 1970s, the Yeti themed low-budget entry is what you would expect from the early 1950s b movie creature features, While the flick lacks excitement, plods along at a snail’s pace, and has a creature that looks like a tall man covered in rabbits fur, it is not all bad. The cinematography captures some interesting shots that create a solid mood and atmosphere, the acting is at least average and the soundtrack is decent. Unfortunately, all of that is definitely overshadowed by the horrid attempt at creating a Yeti, it may be the worst interpretation of the famed creature ever (come on, at least cover the face). While not great, this flick is what it is a 1950s creature feature and should be viewed with that in mind.