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Attack of the 50 Foot Indian: A Cult Classic of the Atomic Age

Robert Heinlein

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A Poster For The Movie Attack Of The 50 Foot Indian Attack Of The 50 Foot Indian

A Synopsis

Released in 1957, Attack of the 50 Foot Indian is a quirky and entertaining B-movie that has become a cult classic. This black-and-white film tells the story of Apache Chief Yellow Cloud, who is transformed into a 50-foot-tall monster by a mysterious radioactive meteor. The giant Indian goes on a rampage, destroying buildings and terrorizing the citizens of the small town of Red Rock, Arizona.

Attack of the 50 Foot Indian

by Stephen Graham Jones

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22128 KB
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Print length	:	745 pages

The film stars Navajo actor Anthony Numkena as Chief Yellow Cloud, and it also features Frank Giehl as archaeologist George Blaine, John Alonzo as Sheriff Pat McGuire, and Anne Gwynne as Blaine's love interest, Ellen Bradley. Attack of the 50 Foot Indian was directed by Paul Landres and written by David Duncan.

Production History

Attack of the 50 Foot Indian was filmed on a shoestring budget of just $100,000. The film was shot in the California desert, and the producers used a combination of stock footage and miniatures to create the illusion of a giant Indian. The film's special effects were supervised by Willis O'Brien, who is best known for his work on King Kong (1933).

Despite its low budget, Attack of the 50 Foot Indian is a visually impressive film. The giant Indian is a truly fearsome creature, and the destruction he causes is both realistic and terrifying. The film's action sequences are well-paced and exciting, and the cast does a good job of bringing the characters to life.

Reception and Legacy

Attack of the 50 Foot Indian was a commercial success, grossing over $1 million at the box office. The film was also well-received by critics, who praised its originality, humor, and suspense. In the years since its release, Attack of the 50 Foot Indian has become a cult classic, and it has been featured in numerous retrospectives and festivals.

The film's legacy is still felt today. In 2009, Attack of the 50 Foot Indian was inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. The film is also referenced in popular culture, including the Simpsons episode "Lisa's Wedding" and the film Galaxy Quest.

Cultural Significance

Attack of the 50 Foot Indian is a product of its time. The film was made during the height of the Cold War, and it reflects the fears and anxieties of that era. The giant Indian can be seen as a symbol of the atomic bomb, and the film's message is that nuclear war would be a disaster for humanity.

The film also has a strong environmental message. The giant Indian is created by a radioactive meteor, and he becomes a symbol of the dangers of nuclear waste. The film's message is that we must be careful about how we use nuclear energy, or we could face catastrophic consequences.

Attack of the 50 Foot Indian is a fun and entertaining film, but it is also a film with a serious message. The film's message about the dangers of nuclear war and environmental destruction is still relevant today, and it is a reminder that we must be careful about how we use our technology.

Attack of the 50 Foot Indian

by Stephen Graham Jones

4.4 out of 5