Under the Radar DVD of the Week: "The Navy vs. the Night Monsters"
This week, the oddest DVD to appear on release lists is:
“The Navy vs. the Night Monsters”
The influence of low-budget horrormeister Roger Corman is all over this campy 1966 sci-fi thriller, out in a new DVD edition Tuesday. Although Corman’s producing work is uncredited, this movie – shot in 10 days and deftly exploiting the ample charms of ‘60s sexpot Mamie Van Doren – bears his unmistakable stamp.
Killer trees infest a south seas island, trees that bleed acid and seem determined to cremate the entire human race. When Navy nurse Van Doren and some others (including song-and-dance man Bobby Van and “Father Knows Best” bad-boy Billy Gray) are imperiled by this botanical menace, the U.S. Navy is called in to wage battle.
Director Michael A. Hoey and producer Jack Broder reportedly waged battle with each other during the hurried filming, with Hoey objecting that the special-effects “tree stump monsters” looked ridiculous and refusing to shoot them. But Broder prevailed, probably figuring that with Van Doren in a low-cut nurse’s frock, nobody would even notice the cheesy trees.
“The Navy vs. the Night Monsters” is not rated and is being released by Video Music Distribution for a suggested retail price of $12.95
- Dennis King
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