Horror

Frogs

Peter Thomas Productions

American International Pictures

United States of America

English

Ray Milland

Sam Elliott

Joan Van Ark

Adam Roarke

Judy Pace

Lynn Borden

Mae Mercer

David Gilliam

Nicholas Cortland

George Skaff

Lance Taylor Sr.

Hollis Irving

Dale Willingham

Hal Hodges

Carolyn Fitzsimmons

Robert Sanders

Robert Blees

Robert Hutchison

Mario Tosi

Thomas R. Burman

George Edwards

Peter Thomas

George McCowan

Les Baxter

Norman T. Herman

Sal Grasso

James H. Nicholson

Fred R. Feitshans Jr.

Jean Austin

Rusty Meek

Walter Dominguez

Gene Corso

John Speak

Michael A. Jones

José Louis Mignone

Roy Hogstedt

**_Lazy pre-"Jaws" nature-nuns-amok flick_**  

Myriad swamp creatures (frogs, snakes, alligators, lizards, scorpions, tarantulas, crabs, etc.) vengefully attack a crotchety old man's Southern mansion in the swamp. Apparently, they’re hopping mad about the toxic chemicals used to exterminate them, not to mention pollutants in general. The film stars Ray Milland as the old grump, a mustache-less Sam Elliott and a young Joan Van Ark.

"Frogs" (1972) predates "Jaws" by a few years. The creators were obviously going for a swamp version of the basic "The Birds" plot. The difference is that "The Birds" is a first-rate flick whereas "Frogs" is second rate, which isn’t to say that it’s unprofessional or that there aren’t points of interest. Any fan of nature-runs-amok flicks should find something to like. The film gives you what you pay for: Real swamp locations with real swamp creatures horrifyingly attacking and killing people, not to mention a grand antebellum mansion and grounds.

The best thing is that the story is taken seriously. There's no silliness or camp to be seen as in, say, "Lake Placid" or "Crocodile" (2000). Another highlight is Joan Van Ark who’s quite fetching at 28 during shooting. Lynn Borden and Judy Pace are also worth mentioning in the feminine department. On the other side of the gender spectrum, there’s Elliott, who’s excellent as the low-key macho protagonist, as well as Adam Roarke and David Gilliam, amongst others.

The main problem with “Frogs” is that there isn't any suspense; the tone is curiously lazy. But if you're a fan of creatures-on-the-loose films or any of the cast members then you'll probably find something to appreciate. It has more originality than the many post-"Jaws" flicks and there are indeed a few horrifying parts. Just don't expect a Class A film like "The Birds" or much suspense and you won't be disappointed.

For any who complain that the name of the movie is inaccurate in light of the fact that there are various bog creatures attacking the people, not just frogs, think about it like this: The frogs are like little Napoléons sending their soldiers into the fray. 

It runs 90 minutes and was shot entirely at Eden Gardens State Park, Florida, which is located on the panhandle 20 miles west of Panama City.

GRADE: C+

Frogs ≣ 1972 ≣ Trailer

Frogs 1972 TV trailer

Best Movies

Frogs

Cast & Crew

Videos

Cast

Ray Milland

Sam Elliott

Joan Van Ark

Adam Roarke

Judy Pace

Lynn Borden

Mae Mercer

David Gilliam

Nicholas Cortland

George Skaff

Box office

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