On this day April 22, 1983, the low budget cult horror film The Deadly Spawn premiered in theaters. Directed by Douglas McKeown and starring Charles George Hildebrandt and Tom DeFranco, the movie told the story of a group of teens and scientists trying to survive after a flesh eating alien crashes to Earth and begins multiplying in the basement of a suburban home.
Made on a shoestring budget with practical effects and stop motion animation, The Deadly Spawn embraced its B movie roots and delivered a surprising amount of tension and creativity. The alien creatures were memorably grotesque, and the gore filled set pieces quickly earned the film underground recognition.
It only made around 25 thousand dollars at the box office but went on to become a cult favorite in horror circles and remains a fan favorite at midnight movie screenings and VHS collector forums.
Fun fact: Charles George Hildebrandt, who played the young sci fi obsessed hero, is the son of fantasy artist Tim Hildebrandt, famous for his work on Star Wars and Lord of the Rings posters.
Trivia question: What cast member of The Deadly Spawn was the son of a well known fantasy illustrator who created iconic Star Wars artwork?
Made on a shoestring budget with practical effects and stop motion animation, The Deadly Spawn embraced its B movie roots and delivered a surprising amount of tension and creativity. The alien creatures were memorably grotesque, and the gore filled set pieces quickly earned the film underground recognition.
It only made around 25 thousand dollars at the box office but went on to become a cult favorite in horror circles and remains a fan favorite at midnight movie screenings and VHS collector forums.
Fun fact: Charles George Hildebrandt, who played the young sci fi obsessed hero, is the son of fantasy artist Tim Hildebrandt, famous for his work on Star Wars and Lord of the Rings posters.
Trivia question: What cast member of The Deadly Spawn was the son of a well known fantasy illustrator who created iconic Star Wars artwork?
