Reptilicus is the mutual title of two monster films about a giant, prehistoric reptile. A pair of Danish-American co-productions produced by Cinemagic and Saga Studio, the Danish-language Reptilicus was directed by Poul Bang and released by Saga in Denmark in 1961, while the English-language Reptilicus was directed and co-written by Sidney Pink and released by American International Pictures in the United States in 1962. They’ve frequently been incorrectly described as two release-versions of the same film. The creation of Reptilicus was inspired by the success of monster films like Godzilla. The filmmakers aimed to create a uniquely Danish monster movie, capitalizing on the popularity of the genre and showcasing Denmark as a fresh setting for such films.
“In every film reference book published over the past four decades, the Danish-American monster-movie Reptilicus is listed as one film, and one film only. However, in spite of sharing an identical plot, identical sets and locations, a nearly identical cast and crew, as well as overlapping use of some shots, Reptilicus is in fact two distinct films, shot in separate languages by two directors, very much in the manner of the American/Spanish versions of Universal’s 1931 Dracula.“
(Nicolas Barbano: Twice Told Tails – The Two Versions of Reptilicus in Video Watchdog #96, 2003)
The cult following of Reptilicus in Denmark developed over time due to its status as the country’s only giant monster movie, which gave it a unique place in Danish pop culture. Despite initial negative reviews, the film’s novelty and the charm of its low-budget effects contributed to its enduring appeal. Over the years, it became a nostalgic piece of cinema for Danish audiences, celebrated for its campy style and as a representation of Denmark in the monster movie genre.
“As it stands, Poul Bang and Saga’s version is at least as good as – if not better than – many of the monster-on-the-loose films of the 1950s. It is not a perfect film, but it is enjoyable and often compelling, largely because of the charismatic ensemble cast. For Denmark’s first and (so far) only giant monster film, Saga’s Reptilicus is rather wonderful.“
(Christopher Stewardson, Ourculturemag.com)
Reptilicus movie plot
Danish miner Svend Viltorft digs up a section of a giant reptile’s tail from the frozen grounds in Lapland, where he and other miners are drilling. The section is flown to Denmark’s Aquarium in Copenhagen, where it is preserved in a cold room for scientific study. But due to mishandling, the room is left open and the section begins to thaw, only for scientists to find that it is starting to regenerate. Professor Otto Martens, who is in charge of the aquarium, dubs the reptilian species “Reptilicus” (upon a reporter’s suggestion) and compares its regeneration abilities to that of other animals like planarians and starfishs. Once fully regenerated from the tail section, Reptilicus goes on an unstoppable rampage from the Danish countryside to the panic-stricken streets of Copenhagen (including one of its famous landmarks, Langebro Bridge). The monster is finally rendered unconscious by a sedative developed by ingenious scientists and shot into its mouth from a bazooka fired by General Grayson. However, the film is left open-ended. A final shot shows one of Reptilicus’ legs, which had been blown off earlier by the Danish Navy’s depth charges, beginning to move on its own, raising the possibility that it is starting to regenerate into a new Reptilicus.
Reptilicus production
The production of two nearly identical films began in July 1960. One was directed by Danish director Poul Bang and filmed in Danish, while the other was directed by American producer-director Sidney Pink and filmed in English, both featuring almost the same cast. During shooting, Pink and Bang alternated directing scenes, with Pink filming in English and Bang in Danish. The only cast difference was the role of UNESCO representative Connie Miller: Danish actress Bodil Miller played the role in the Danish version, while German actress Marla Behrens portrayed her in the English version, as Miller couldn’t speak English. Filming locations included Sjælland and Jutland in Denmark, especially Copenhagen. Bang’s Danish-language film was completed quickly and released in Denmark on February 25, 1961. However, Pink’s version, intended for American International Pictures (AIP), needed significant alterations by screenwriter Ib Melchior. Changes included editing footage to make Reptilicus appear to vomit acid, and dubbing over Danish actors’ voices with mainly American actors. Pink was upset by these changes and filed a legal dispute with AIP, though it was later dropped after viewing Melchior’s revised version. The English-language film was released in the United States in 1962.
The public perception of Reptilicus differed significantly between Denmark and the United States. In Denmark, despite initial negative reviews, the film gained a cult following as the country’s only giant monster movie. In contrast, the American version received mostly negative reviews, criticized for its poor special effects and dubbing. The Danish version was appreciated for its unique setting and local involvement, while the U.S. version was seen as a low-quality B-movie aimed at children, with added effects like acid-spitting to increase its menace.
Read more on Cphpost.dk, CageyFilms.com, Ourculturemag.com, Wikipedia
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