There's just enough of a story and an almost sensible scientific rationale to the proceedings to make "Attack of the Giant Leeches" an entertaining hour, though it IS offset by cheesy monster costumes reminiscent of DC Comics' Starro the Conqueror. When the philandering wife (Yvette Vickers) of a saloon owner disappears with her lover Cal (Michael Emmett), the distressed husband (Bruno VeSota) is arrested for their murder, incoherently babbling about some beasts that apparently took them home for lunch. Two backwoods hicks capitalize on the sheriff's reward to locate the bodies and also wind up missing, prompting local game warden Steve Benton (Ken Clark) to get involved in the investigation.
Warden Benton staunchly disapproves of setting off a dynamite charge in the swamp, but as is pointed out a number of times by the locals, there is no life left in the swamp to be harmed. Against Benton's advice and warning, Doc Greyson (Tyler McVey) detonates the explosive, which brings the bodies of three of the victims to the surface of the lake, their bodies having been sucked dry of their blood. With Liz Walker still missing, it's theorized that she may still be alive in an underwater cave, held captive by the monsters.
To check the theory, Benton tests the waters in diving gear, and in no time at all is engaging one of the creatures in hand to tentacle combat, while the voluptuous Liz Walker seductively slithers into the waters of the swamp to be recovered by the search party. With no doubt as to the threat imposed by the leeches, Benton does the honors of pushing the plunger on the explosive charge that finally defeats (and deflates) the creatures.
If you're into grade Z horror of the 50's, "Attack of the Giant Leeches" simply begs for just one screening, and it wouldn't be an entirely wasted hour of your time. Then watch it again with a bunch of friends and a slight buzz on to make it even better.
Warden Benton staunchly disapproves of setting off a dynamite charge in the swamp, but as is pointed out a number of times by the locals, there is no life left in the swamp to be harmed. Against Benton's advice and warning, Doc Greyson (Tyler McVey) detonates the explosive, which brings the bodies of three of the victims to the surface of the lake, their bodies having been sucked dry of their blood. With Liz Walker still missing, it's theorized that she may still be alive in an underwater cave, held captive by the monsters.
To check the theory, Benton tests the waters in diving gear, and in no time at all is engaging one of the creatures in hand to tentacle combat, while the voluptuous Liz Walker seductively slithers into the waters of the swamp to be recovered by the search party. With no doubt as to the threat imposed by the leeches, Benton does the honors of pushing the plunger on the explosive charge that finally defeats (and deflates) the creatures.
If you're into grade Z horror of the 50's, "Attack of the Giant Leeches" simply begs for just one screening, and it wouldn't be an entirely wasted hour of your time. Then watch it again with a bunch of friends and a slight buzz on to make it even better.