Starring George Zucco, Ralph Lewis, Hope Kramer, Eddie Acuff, Wheaton Chambers
Directed by Sherman Scott
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)
After an archaeologist discovers Montezuma's treasure as well as the blood-drinking feathered serpent that guards it, he uses the beast to kill anyone who comes too close to uncovering his secrets.
This may well be my favorite of Poverty Row studio PRC's productions, which is patterned somewhat after their earlier success with Bela Lugosi, The Devil Bat. Despite the low budget and some really poorly lit scenes in the creature's cave, this is a lot of fun, with Zucco perfect as the mad archaeologist and the creature's flying scenes coming off fairly decently. Meant to be the embodiment of the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, the creature is far from a special effects triumph, but is about as good as we can expect coming out of Poverty Row. Leo Erdody's score has a nice musical theme which has an Aztec flavor and really sets an ominous tone, the perfect accompaniment to Zucco's misdeeds. PRC's prolific director Sam Newfield directs under one of his aliases, Sherman Scott.
Thanks, I might check this out! I like your blog because you introduce me to new titles I never heard of before. Go Tim!!
ReplyDeleteThis is one I have not seen in donkey's years! I always enjoy seeing Zucco and you are certainly spot-on in praising it. I think it's one of PRC's best. And is it possible this and "Q" are the only two American horror films featuring Quetzalcoatl? Great possibilities there!
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