The Blob (1958)

About The Blob

"The Blob" is a 1958 American independent science-fiction horror film directed by Irvin Yeaworth. The storyline revolves around a growing, corrosive alien amoeba that lands on earth from a meteorite. The Blob absorbs and dissolves anything in its path as it grows in size, posing a severe threat to the residents of a small town in Pennsylvania.

Making / Production

Produced by Fairview Productions, the film was budgeted at $120,000 – a modest sum for a sci-fi movie back then. Produced by Jack H. Harris, most of the filming took place in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

Actors

• Steve McQueen: In his debut leading role, McQueen played Steve Andrews, a brave young man who first discovers the Blob and leads the charge against it.
• Aneta Corsaut: Corsaut played Jane Martin, Steve’s girlfriend who supports him throughout the ordeal.
• Earl Rowe: Rowe characterizes Lieutenant Dave, the local law enforcement officer who ultimately helps destroy the Blob.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Blob, despite being a low-budget film, was a notable box office success, grossing $4 million.
• Steve McQueen, who was 27 years old when the film was in production, played a character who was supposedly a teenager.
• The film resulted in a sequel in 1972 titled 'Beware! The Blob'.

Awards

While "The Blob" didn't win any prominent awards, its cultural impact and status as a sci-fi classic certainly legitimize it as an award-worthy production.

Quotes

• "Doctor Hallen, you'll get killed!"
• "Slow boats can catch fast fish."
• "At least we've got it stopped."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's memorable theme song, "Beware of the Blob", was written by Burt Bacharach and Mack David and was performed by studio group the Five Blobs.