The Blob
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- For other meanings of this term, see Blob
The Blob is an independently made American science-fiction film from 1958. It achieved instant success and is still recognized today partly because it starred Steve McQueen and Aneta Corsaut in their first film roles. Another reason for its longevity is that it is one of the prototypes of 1950s American sci-fi films. It is also known for its tongue-in-cheek theme song, "Beware of the Blob" which was written by a pre-stardom Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
The Blob was directed by Irvin Yeaworth, who filmed the movie in and around Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The primary shooting took place at Valley Forge Studios, and several scenes were filmed in the towns of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania; Downingtown, Pennsylvania; Phoenixville, Pennsylvania; and Royersford, Pennsylvania. It was filmed in color and widescreen.
Synopsis
The Blob is an amorphous creature from another planet which lands on Earth encased in a meteor. It escapes, then survives and grows by absorbing any human being with which it comes in contact. A group of teenagers discover the Blob but the adults won't believe them until it is almost too late. The Blob's one weakness is cold; in the end, it is hit by freezing gas (specifically, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers) and shipped to the Arctic.Notes
- Unintended as it was at the time, The Blob is a perfect example of green goo (and of alien origin). Green goo is a biotechnology variant of grey goo.
- This movie spawned a comedy sequel in 1972 called Beware! The Blob (directed by Larry Hagman), and a 1988 remake that rewrote the plot to make the Blob a secret government project gone wrong.
- Since 2000, the town of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania - the location of many scenes in the film - has held an annual "Blob Fest." Activities include a re-enactment of the scene where moviegoers ran screaming from the town's Colonial Theatre, which has recently been restored.
- Yeaworth was never particularly proud of the film. He directed more than 400 films for motivational, educational, and religious purposes.
See also
External links
- [The Blob Site - Location tour, trivia, Blobfest]
- [The Blob - A Hollywood Gothique Retrospective]
- [The Blob essay by Bruce Kawin - The Criterion Collection]
- [The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, PA - An historic, non-profit theatre and location in The Blob]
- [Books and movies about Blob-like creatures.] (german/english)
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