Tentacles

(1977) **1/2

In this Italian Jaws rip-off something is killing the denizens of a small seaside town. Are the deaths related to a nearby underwater tunnel that is being constructed by a greedy corporation? It turns out the answer is, “yes”. Apparently the company is using “way over the limit” high-pitch radio waves that are disturbing the ecosystem and pissing off a giant octopus. What is the purpose of these radio waves? The film does not care to bore us with the details. With a growing body count, the locals do the only sensible thing, hold a large regatta. This ends in chaos, of course, although only one dies among the dozens of competitors. Lame.

Meanwhile, the world’s oldest investigative journalist (John Huston) begins nosing around to get the real story, ultimately pissing off Henry Fonda, the CEO of the corporation blasting the tunnel that somehow unleashes the giant octopus. You will never stop chuckling when you see John Huston's floor-length nightshirt.


Come back here, Gandalf!

Eventually the talents of local Orca trainer (Bo Hopkins) are sought. Apparently Bo has figured out a way to speak to the killer whales and he instructs them to kill the tentacle menace. The Orcas oblige and we’re treated to an (over-long) battle between 2 Orcas and a giant octopus.


Journalist (John Huston) consults with Sheriff Lobo

It struck me while watching Tentacles that b-movies back in the 70s had fairly high production values compared to today’s schlock. I recently aborted Sharktopus, for example, due to its pathetic low-budget look and cast. It was of the “so bad it’s bad” variety. Many of the shots in Tentacles feel like they could have come straight out of Jaws with its idyllic seaside setting and sweeping shots of the ocean. The film also boasts an impressive cast including John Huston, Shelley Winters, and Henry Fonda (who looks embarrassed to be there every time he’s onscreen).

The film is over-long and awful, with poor dubbing, but it’s ultimately fun b-movie stuff. The octopus shots are done surprisingly well and the climax with the two Orcas is pretty damn good! Still, bad pacing and a ridiculously inappropriate soundtrack obviate any “terror” one might experience while watching Tentacles.