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Monster That Challenged the World, The (1957)

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Monster That Challenged the World, The (1957)

Post by bunniefuu »

[Narrator]

this is the salton sea

in southern california.

A strange phenomenon,

in which nature

has placed

400 square miles

of salt water

in the middle of

an arid desert.

In the desert,

near the shore of the sea,

the government

has established

one of its most important

naval research bases.

At the laboratory

on the secluded

south tip of the base,

top-secret

atomic experiments

are carried out under

rigid security control.

At the airfield,

under the direction

of the

parachute test unit,

planes leave

on daily missions

for the jump area

over the salton sea,

where navy men

dive in the government's

continuous researching

of parachutes,

to meet the

ever-increasing demands

of modern flight.

On may 17,

in the early afternoon,

an earthquake occurred

in the desert area.

Its force was

strong enough to be felt

at the research base,

even though its epicenter

was 10 miles away

in the wild rock

formations 350 feet

below the surface

of the salton sea.

However,

less than 2 hours

after the earthquake,

the base was back to

normal operating procedure.

Lt. Hollister,

of the parachute test unit,

was preparing to make

the last-scheduled

jump of the day.

Hollister was a veteran

of over 300 test flights.

For him, this was to be

one more routine jump.

Meanwhile,

on the salton sea,

crewmen johnson

and sanders

were headed out

to meet lt. Hollister.

And for them,

this was to be

one more routine pickup.

This is flutterboy 2-4-2

calling navy 8-7.

You are now

in sight. Over.

[Pilot]

hollister now

preparing to jump.

Over and out.

He's down.

Navy 8-7,

this is flutterboy

2-4-2. Over.

[Pilot]

this is navy 8-7. Over.

He's in sight.

You're clear to return

to the base. Over.

Roger. Leaving for home.

Over and out.

Flutterboy 2-4-2 calling

land radio 4. Over.

Land radio 4. Come in.

[Sanders]

jumper landed safely.

He's down about

2-miles in,

off the southeast tip.

That's pretty far out.

Hope this doesn't

take all night.

Yeah,

I'll call you back.

Where is he?

I don't know.

He's gotta be here.

I saw him hit.

Hey, lieutenant!

I'm going down

for him.

You see him?

No. I'll try

the other side.

Johnson?

[Sanders]

johnson!

Johnson!

Johnson!

Uh.

Ah!

Ah!

This is land radio 4

calling

flutterboy 2-4-2.

Come in, please.

Land radio 4

calling flutterboy 2-4-2.

Come in.

Come in,

flutterboy 2-4-2.

El centro base.

Naval intelligence,

please.

[Telephone rings]

cmdr. Twillinger's

office.

He's on the other line.

Okay, I'll put you on hold.

Lieutenant,

I appreciate

your calling,

but there's

nothing I can do.

He went awol,

it doesn't matter

what the

circumstances were.

I'll have to

refer the case.

Wait a minute!

In the 1 week

that I've been here,

I've had a dozen

different cases come up.

I don't decide

these things.

I'm an investigating officer,

not a judge.

All right,

I'll send you notification.

I know this guy.

He's all right.

He made a mistake,

but--

he sure did!

Commander,

wyatt on 3.

Wyatt?

He's our radioman

at the salton sea pier.

Twillinger.

Yes, wyatt.

How long ago?

45 Minutes.

No, I've lost

radio contact.

It's not a mechanical failure

at this end.

Have a boat standing by.

I'll be there in 5 minutes.

Trouble?

The last pickup crew

hasn't reported in.

We'll have to go out.

Sally, wait until I call you.

Yes, sir.

Still there, mom?

Looks like

ironheart's

gonna work late

again tonight.

That's right.

Shove off.

I don't see why

they weren't covered

for something

like this.

They jump close

to 20 men every day.

It's a good system,

nothing goes wrong.

Something went wrong

this time.

A boat off

the port bow, sir.

She looks deserted.

Head up alongside.

Aye.

It's sanders.

Check the water

for the other men.

Yes, sir.

Sam.

Look at this.

What is it?

I don't know.

You better take a sample.

Have the lab

run a test.

Commander,

there's something

surfacing

on the portside.

It's hollister.

Like I told you,

he said he'd

call me back later

and that was all.

That's when

you lost contact?

Yes,

and I called the base.

When you talked last,

was everything normal?

Yes. We was just kiddin',

you know how you get

on the phone.

That's against

regulations.

Yes, sir.

Have a report in my

office in the morning.

Yes, sir.

May I have that sample

we took off the boat?

Right here.

How long's

that autopsy on hollister

gonna take?

We'll have it

early tomorrow.

I'll cover it for you.

Take some

divers

and go after johnson

in the morning.

It's too late

to dive now.

Okay.

I want to take this

to the lab.

It's right there.

Go through the main door

and turn to your right.

I've already spoken

to dr. Rogers.

Good.

We won't need you

anymore, wyatt.

Thank you, sir.

That your new boss?

Yeah.

Sure is

an eager beaver, sir.

Yeah,

that he is.

You might know I'd be

making eight carbons.

I said I'm always

making eight carbons

when my fingers go to...

Hello.

Is this

dr. Rogers' office?

Yes.

I'm cmdr. Twillinger.

I'll tell him.

I think you were notified

that I was coming.

I was sorry to hear

about the accident.

Young lady,

you're not to

discuss that

with anyone.

Do you understand?

No, of course not.

I'm dr. Rogers,

commander.

Twillinger.

Lt. Clemens

said you have

a substance

to be analyzed.

I do.

It's in here.

Come on,

let's take a look at it.

Where did you

find this?

On the boat,

near the body.

Lt. Clemens told me

what happened.

I'm terribly sorry.

We lost 3 men,

so far.

At least,

we think it's 3.

We've only recovered

2 bodies.

He said there was

something unnatural

about the condition

of one of the bodies.

There was.

It was shriveled.

Shriveled?

Sometimes

seawater

does strange things

to human flesh.

In this case,

I don't think so.

Would you say

that the water

in the sea

could be radioactive?

Commander, let me answer

you in this way.

My 2 assistants

do a lot

of diving

related to our work.

I know that.

We don't take any chances

with radioactivity.

Our sea experiments

had nothing to do with

what happened

to your men

or the condition

of that body.

You might be wrong.

I've found

that people are always

jumping to

wild conclusions

concerning

atomic reaction.

Science fact and

science fiction

are not the same.

Not in the least.

Just take a few minutes.

Can you make it

as fast as possible?

It'll only take

a little while,

as long as I'm

not interrupted.

I'll be outside.

Gail, I'm returning

your child in the same

condition as

when I got her. I think.

Hi, sweetie.

Hi, mommy.

Excuse me.

It's all right.

May I go look

at the rabbits?

Not today, sweetie.

Please.

Hm-mmm.

Mommy, of all those rabbits,

I like grace the best.

[Gail]

you can't see her today.

[Sandy]

that's okay,

I've got a ladybug

to keep me company.

Gail, when will the

boys be finished?

They got tied up

because of the earthquake

and had to

reset all the tests.

Oh.

Hey.

2 Minutes.

Your wife and

unborn child

are starving.

A minute and a half.

[Sighs]

what a life!

Did I ever tell you

that I detest this lab?

That husband of mine

even has

"top secret" stamped

in red ink in the middle

of his chest.

He does. "Secret,

secret, secret."

You can't

speed up science.

I guess not.

Would you like

to hold my ladybug?

Hmm?

I said, "would you like

to hold my ladybug?"

Certainly.

It's a privilege.

Honey,

don't bother him.

That's all right.

Doesn't she have

pretty spots

on her back?

Yes, she has.

[Doctor]

commander?

It's just a

simple marine secretion,

although there is

something that puzzles me.

I'd like to run

another series

of tests on it tomorrow.

I'll call you.

I'll wait

for your call.

You can get me

on 254.

254?

That's right.

My ladybug.

You forgot my ladybug!

Maybe it's

on the floor somewhere.

[Gail]

don't worry about it.

Sandy, you can find

another ladybug.

But I don't want

another one, mommy.

I tell you what,

when I get home,

I'll see if I can

find her.

If I do, I'll bring

her back, okay?

Okay.

He's cute.

I guess so.

Did you mention that

you were available?

Somehow

it didn't come up.

If I were you,

it would have.

You're a character.

Ready to go

home now?

I guess so.

I'm leaving now,

doctor.

'Night.

Excuse me.

That's okay.

Just consider me

a piece of furniture.

Sandy,

come here.

Look. I've got

a surprise for you.

I found her

for you.

Thank you.

I'll give her

a good talking to.

I wouldn't be

too severe on her.

Thank you very much.

You're welcome.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Cmdr. Twillinger?

That's right.

Nate brown.

How do you do?

You know josh peters,

sheriff's office.

We've met.

I've been with this

office for 15 years,

but I've never seen

anything like this.

Have you, josh?

Afraid not.

I've seen a lot of people die

in different ways.

What caused it?

It's hard to tell.

A puncture wound,

I think.

Both bodies

taken from the sea

were totally drained

of blood and water.

What would

make that happen?

I have no idea.

The wound could've been made

by any sharp object

and naturally

the body would bleed.

But simple bleeding

wouldn't cause this.

It happened near

the research lab?

Yes. But they say

there's no connection.

Maybe.

Take a look

at the microscope.

You're looking

at a piece of skin.

Usually when

a body is left in water,

the epidermal tissues

become swollen.

But this is

like leather.

It doesn't even resemble

human skin anymore.

Skin on a man

over 100 would have

3 times the amount

of moisture.

What about the other man

we found on the boat?

A stroke.

A stroke?

There's a technical

name for it,

but that's

what it amounts to.

I don't

understand you.

What could

cause a stroke

in a man

that young?

In that age group,

only 2 things

could cause a stroke:

violent anger or fear.

You can

rule out anger.

Hm-mmm.

In my opinion,

the man you found

on the boat

was literally

scared to death.

Do you have

enough deputies

to post a quarantine

on all the beaches

until we find out

what happened out there?

Yeah. I'll get

right on it.

Good.

Thanks again

for your help.

Not at all.

You boys

care for a sandwich?

Got tuna fish

and minced ham on rye.

No, thanks.

It's nice and cold.

Close the beach?

I got 22 people

staying here.

Sorry, we've got orders.

Nothing we can do.

That's swell.

So everybody

should go home,

is that it?

Did you look

at the temperature today?

Yes, we know it's hot.

120 At 3:00.

So nobody swims.

What's wrong

with the water?

We got a bulletin, mr. Davis.

That's all we know!

Okay.

[Telephone rings]

dr. Rogers' office.

Yes, commander.

Just a moment.

[Gail]

dr. Rogers,

cmdr. Twillinger

on line 1.

Yes, commander.

Yes, we're working on it.

We hope to

have something,

late today

or tomorrow.

Tomorrow!

Look, doctor,

that's the only

clue we've got.

I could have sent it

to san diego by now.

Hold on, commander,

don't pressure us.

We don't need it.

I'll call you

as soon as I finish.

I'll be in my office.

I've just been read

the riot act

by our friend

from naval intelligence.

Don't let him

bother you,

I'll give you

a character reference.

I'm ready to run

a geiger count

on the stuff

from los alamos.

Good, go ahead.

That's strange.

Is that the stuff

from the boat?

Yes.

What's it register?

0.15.

And your last reading

on the salton sea?

Normal,

0.034 constant.

That's odd. This is

from the same water.

Why the difference

in the radioactivity?

We'd better run

a check test.

Hello, larry.

Mrs. Simms.

Bob. What'll it be?

We'd like to talk

about your beach.

About my beach?

I'm going now, ma.

All right. Jody.

Jody!

Yes.

Who you

going out with?

You know.

I said, "who?"

Morty.

Morty.

Sure,

I might have known.

I got nothing against

servicemen,

but that morty's

no good.

You hear that?

I hear.

Ma, look at me.

I'm a big girl now.

Grown up.

Can't you

understand that?

You won't pay attention

to me anymore.

That isn't

what I mean.

I don't want

to hurt you.

But there are times

when I've got to

use my own judgment

about things.

It has to be that way.

Please try to understand.

All right.

Just you get home early.

I will.

I got a

terrible headache.

[Jody]

I'm sorry, ma.

Goodnight.

You were saying?

About your beach.

I'm afraid you'll have to

close it up temporarily.

No swimming.

Mort?

Mort?

Where you been?

Ma, she's--

ma what?

Nothing.

She's screaming

at everybody tonight.

Forget it.

Pretty girl.

Ha.

Pretty girl,

where's your suit?

Underneath, silly.

It's sure

a beautiful night.

Did you get a look

at that moon?

Catch me.

Come on.

I'll race you

to the float.

You haven't

got a chance.

Morty.

Morty?

Mort.

Mort.

Ah.

Ah! Ah!

Ah!

I'll tell you

what happened.

That boy ran off

somewhere with jody.

I know it.

He's no good.

I warned her.

I said,

"why don't you go out

with a nice young man?"

But no, she's just like

her father was:

no sense.

The boy didn't

report back

to the base

at all last night.

Are you sure he was

with your daughter?

Of course I'm sure.

Did you see him?

I didn't have

to see him.

Jody herself told me

she was going out with him.

Uppity as you please.

And after all I've sacrificed

and done for her,

not a word

of appreciation.

You'd think

that at least she'd--

may we take

a look around?

No, go ahead.

Her room's in there.

[Older child]

let me have it.

[Younger child]

no, give it.

Wait a minute.

I don't care.

Give it to me.

It's mine,

I found it.

There's some kids out there

with a sailor's cap.

What?

Some kids.

What do kids

got to do with it?

I don't know.

Give it to me.

I don't care.

Come here.

Just a minute, son.

Let me take

a look at that cap.

Did you find

this cap?

That boy, freddy,

was trying to

take it from me.

Yes.

Where'd you find it?

Over there.

It don't belong

to nobody.

It don't belong

to you, does it?

No, it doesn't.

Will you show me

where you found this cap?

Come on.

There.

What's that?

A uniform

or at leas part of one.

Did your daughter

and her boyfriend

ever swim here?

Swim? I don't know.

You don't think they could--

jody!

Jody!

Oh.

Oh, baby!

I could cut out

my tongue

for the things

I said to you.

[Crying]

oh, baby.

Josh!

Josh!

What's up?

I don't know.

But that's

the same thing

we found on

the side of the boat.

Dr. Rogers says

it's highly radioactive.

I better call

and have him investigate

the bottom of the sea,

before somebody else

is k*lled.

Man, it's cold

down there.

I'll get price to

get you some coffee.

Do you want us

to move out again?

No, not yet.

There's a rock formation

I want to check

with a geiger counter.

As soon as I fix

my regulator.

Thanks.

Any sign of them?

Nothing. Those kids

are probably off

on a honeymoon.

I hope so.

That's it.

Thanks.

Okay, let's go.

Keep a sharp eye,

will you?

Believe me,

we haven't seen a thing,

except a few fish

the size of your left hand.

Fine. Just

be careful.

Sure thing.

How rough does

it usually get?

It depends

on the wind.

As a rule,

there's not

much current.

Then if the bodies

are down there,

they'll be easy

to find.

Should be. Unless...

Unless what?

I'd rather not

conjecture.

Okay?

Yes, sir.

We've got you

on the frequency.

[Johns]

right.

We're still descending.

What's your depth?

[Johns]

40 feet.

[Johns]

60 feet. We're leveling off.

Good. Try a reading.

[Blake]

doctor, I'm now checking

the rock formation.

Reading is normal.

Normal. Good.

What's the bottom like?

[Blake]

doctor, about the same.

We're going down again.

It looks like

there may be

some kind of cave

out under us.

How deep are you?

[Johns]

80 feet.

Still dropping.

That's most unusual.

Why?

We've been over

this area a dozen times,

the maximum depth

is 65 feet.

Don't take any chances.

[Johns]

don't worry.

[Johns]

97 feet.

100.

125.

We've leveled off

again.

I think we're

at the bottom

of some kind of

huge cavern.

We see some kind

of peculiar object ahead.

Hang on.

[Blake]

doctor, I get a

reading of 1.038.

What is it?

[Blake]

I'm not sure.

Some kind

of marine growth, I think.

Circular. About 6 feet.

Almost transparent.

We'll try to cut it loose.

I'll send down a net.

Lower the net, boys.

[Johns]

okay. Take it up.

Is everything

all right?

[Johns]

no problems.

We're still looking.

Hold off and come

up till we check

what's in the net.

[Johns]

okay.

[Johns]

we've found the girl.

Can you get her up quickly?

[Johns]

it'll only take a minute.

Okay, but don't

take any longer.

[Blake]

my tank.

What' s wrong?

[Johns]

blake's tank is caught

in the undergrowth.

Do you need

any help?

No, we're okay.

[Growling]

oh!

Johns!

Johns!

Answer me, johns!

[Johns]

I'm okay. It got blake.

What're you talking about?

[Johns]

I'm coming up. Get help.

Oh, my god.

What happened?

Oh, my god.

His body.

He died right in front of me.

I couldn't help him.

I've got to go back.

Talk sense.

What's down there?

I don't know,

I never saw

anything like it.

Like what?

A creature.

A giant creature.

You're not going

back down there.

Take your hands off me,

I 've got to k*ll it!

I said, "you're not

going back down!"

Stay out of this,

I'll take care of him.

There's no time

for hysterics.

What are we fighting?

I don't know.

Was there just one

of these creatures?

I think so.

There was a cave,

outside

that thing.

An egg.

That must be

one of its eggs.

Behind you!

The eye.

Get the eye!

[Creature screams]

keep those

depth charges moving.

Hurry up, boys,

we don't have much time.

The commander wants to leave

in 5 minutes.

The pentagon is sending

admiral greenhouse

for the conference.

Good. We're

keeping the egg

in the lab

under observation.

We should know

more about it by then.

I issued

a press release saying

the navy

is conducting routine tests

with underwater

expl*sives.

That should cover us

for the moment.

No sense

in starting a panic.

[Clemens]

excuse me, sir.

They're about

finished loading.

You want to

take a look?

Be about 5 minutes,

doctor. Excuse me.

Would you

sign these?

Did you get

a hold of connie?

No, but I left word for

her to come down here.

Thank you.

If you have any problems,

let us know.

The chief of staff

has authorized

full cooperation.

We'll see you

in the morning.

Thank you, captain.

What's going on?

Did mars

finally invade us?

Another secret?

Where's george?

Where's george?

Connie,

I couldn't help it.

Where's george?

What's happened

to my husband?

Connie, step in here

with me for a moment.

Where's dr. Rogers?

He's in the

radio shack.

He's with connie.

Oh.

We're about ready

to shove off.

Leave them alone,

please.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

I don't think

you are.

What's wrong?

I should be

with connie,

telling her how

you get over it.

The trouble is,

you don't.

I mean,

I didn't.

Would you like

a cigarette?

No, thank you.

When tom

was k*lled,

they said all

those things to me.

Tom?

My husband.

I'm sorry,

I didn't know.

It's funny,

you go around for days

and you don't

believe it.

You think

it can't be true.

And one of those days

you get to thinking,

"it is true.

He isn't coming home."

And you say it out loud,

"he isn't coming home."

Don't listen to me,

I'm over it now.

It was 2 years ago.

I couldn't go in there

with connie.

Not right now.

What did

your husband do?

He was a pilot.

He was stationed

in san diego.

Sandy and I moved

here afterwards.

It takes

a great deal of courage

to start over.

I had a lot of happiness,

a lot of things

to think about

and remember.

And I had sandy.

I couldn't fall apart.

I guess not.

You know something?

You're easy to talk to,

and I didn't think

you would be.

Gail.

Yes, doctor.

Would you take care

of connie, please?

Of course.

We're waiting for you,

doctor. How is she?

She's resting.

She'll be all right.

Good.

Men,

dr. Rogers has

some final

instructions

for you.

Everything

that's happened,

or that will happen

on this expedition,

is classified

"top secret." Is that clear?

We've crippled

and may have k*lled

this giant creature.

To make sure it's dead,

we're going

to saturate the area

with depth charges.

But our most

important job

is to find

all its eggs.

Once they're located,

dr. Johns will make

a quick survey of them

and then they must

be totally destroyed.

Cmdr. Twillinger

will be in charge

of the underwater

demolition.

I guess

that's all.

All right, men.

Let's go.

Believe me,

it's best for you

to stay here tonight.

I've got

plenty of room.

[expl*si*n]

what are they doing?

Come on.

[Doctor]

what you see here

is the formation

inside the egg sac

we found near the

creature's lair.

You'll notice the shell

is beginning to harden.

There's quite a bit

of definition in the head.

Until our studies

are completed,

we're keeping it alive

by controlled

water temperature.

You'll notice that

the thermostat reads

38 degrees exactly.

Is there any danger

that the egg might hatch?

No, the temperature

is low enough

to keep it from hatching.

As long as this knob is set

so the temperature

remains constant,

there'll be no problem.

I see.

Gentlemen, we believe

that this creature

is of the

same family as

the historically

documented kraken.

A giant sea beast

that was the direc ancestor of the modern

water mollusk.

I've had some film

of common mollusks

flown in

from san diego.

I'd like you

to compare it

with the creature

that attacked us.

Dr. Johns?

Yes.

Right this way, please.

Sheriff, would you

cut the lights, please?

[Doctor]

as most of you know,

the mollusk family

is comprised of animals

with a soft body

usually covered

by a hard shell.

This is

gonaxis kibweziensis.

It's one half inch

in diameter.

You'll note the similarities

between it

and the giant creature

in the salton sea.

For example,

the gonaxis has

a predatory nature.

It attacks other

living creatures,

will devour them,

eat their flesh.

The larger it is,

the larger its appetite.

This is a branch

of the gonaxis,

the euglandia.

It shreds the flesh

of its victim

with scissor-like teeth.

Some species suck out

the body fluids

in much

the same manner

as the creature

with which we're dealing.

As I mentioned,

most of these creatures

live entirely

in the water.

But it's not unusual

to find them on land,

searching for food.

The same thing

is true of our kraken.

These mollusks

are only

recently hatched,

yet they're as large

as the adult.

The reason being

that they developed

to full growth

within the egg sac.

From the instant

they're born,

they're hungry.

That bubbly secretion

you see

is formed

in the digestive system.

It acts as

a defensive weapon.

Incidentally,

it's chemically similar to

the secretion

we found on the boat.

That'll give

you an idea.

It's interesting,

but what's the point?

The creature

was k*lled

and all the eggs

were destroyed.

That's right,

but we're not sure

we destroyed

all the other

creatures.

Do you think that

more than one

has developed?

We're sure of it.

From the number

of shells

in these

photographs,

I'd say there

are at least 10

of these

giant creatures,

each one

with the capacity

to lay

several thousand

eggs in its

life cycle.

There was

a cave here

which we sealed

with expl*sives

and probably trapped

the rest of them inside.

We have to be sure,

doctor.

That's impossible,

because the mouth

of that cave

is covered with

tons of rock.

If any

did escape,

it will have to surface

sooner or later.

It won't find

enough food

in the salton sea,

it'll get hungry.

We can keep

a 24-hour

beach patrol.

Yes, I think

that's imperative.

But our real danger

doesn't lie at the sea.

Let's remember

that these creatures

can travel

overland, too.

A few miles

from here

is the all-american

canal system,

which irrigates

the entire imperial valley

and then in time

empties into the gulf.

I don't want

to alarm you unduly,

but if just one

of these creatures lived

and got by

the patrols,

into the canal system

and multiplied,

the species could threaten

the entire world.

First, devouring all life

in the oceans

and then,

foraging on land.

Can you imagine

an army of these things

descending on one

of our cities?

What caused it?

Where'd they come from?

We don't know,

we can only guess.

Perhaps you saw

this article here in life.

A few miles

from here,

this lakebed existed

in a dry state,

void of life

for many years.

Then a flash flood filled it

with about 2 feet of water.

In a few days,

there were millions

of shrimp in that lake.

They hatched from

dormant eggs

that were there

for centuries.

I believe the same thing

happened here.

I think tha a pocket of eggs

from this

prehistoric species

was trapped here,

below the bottom

of the salton sea.

Suppose an earthquake

caused a fissure to open

at the bottom of the sea,

allowing water

to seep down

to this pocket.

Because this water was

slightly radioactive,

and because the eggs

had a capacity

to absorb this

radioactivity,

they found

an environment that was

perfect in which

to hatch and grow.

Then a more

severe earthquake

widened the fissure,

allowing these creatures

to escape into the sea.

I'd like to alert

the civilian defense.

Mr. Patterson, there

are 100,000 people

in this valley.

A move like that would

lead to hysteria.

I suppose

that's true.

I think we should

set up a joint patrol

around the sea,

combine your staff

with the sheriff's office,

set up a headquarters

at the air base

and coordinate

from there.

Does that sound

practical to you?

Yes, sir.

How about your

office, sheriff?

Sounds fine to me.

I'm due to report back

to joint chiefs of staff.

I'll tell them that

even if there are

some surviving

creatures,

there's still

no national danger.

Unless, as you said,

some escape

from the sea into

the all-american canal.

That's correct.

I'll be in

touch with you,

commander.

Call me if

anything develops.

Very good, sir.

Good day,

gentlemen.

Good day.

Good day.

The governor

advised me to offer you

any assistance

you may need.

We appreciate that

very much, thank you.

Yes, doctor.

I think we'd better

meet in my office

to set this up.

Okay.

Good night.

Good night.

Gail, how's connie?

All right.

She's staying with me

for a while.

Good.

I feel kind of

embarrassed today,

commander.

Why?

The personal things

I said yesterday,

I hope I didn't

embarrass you.

You didn't.

I don't usually

carry on that way.

You ought to,

at least once

in a while.

We're on our way back

to the base now,

and we have

to eat sometime.

What I mean is,

why don't you let me

take you to

dinner tonight?

I found a wonderful place

to eat in mexicali.

Thank you, but I

can't leave connie.

I mean,

I shouldn't.

Okay.

I'm awfully

sorry.

If you should

change your mind...

I never do.

If you should,

the number's 254.

You already

have it.

So I have.

Good night.

Good night.

[Sheriff]

anything happening?

Nothing.

Nothing but moonlight.

Wallace and hanson

will replace you at 10:00.

[Scottie]

thanks.

Okay.

That about ties it up.

This reminds me

of last year.

We had a stakeout

on a federal bank

for 3 months.

What happened?

Not a thing.

You sure you

won't come home

and take potluck?

Jenny wouldn't mind.

Much.

No, come on!

No, I'll get something

from the cafeteria.

Okay, see you later.

You bet.

This is just

like that

federal bank stakeout

last year.

The only trouble is,

nothing ever happens.

No, mom.

I don't know.

Yes, I'll hurry.

No, I don't know

how late.

This is walker,

section 5 north. All clear.

Check.

[Telephone rings]

oni, twillinger.

Hi.

I had to come to town

with some reports

for the doctor.

I know

it's past dinnertime,

but if you hadn't

already eaten, i...

Yeah, I'm starving.

Where are you?

Right, I know

where it is.

I'll be there

in 5 minutes.

Right, goodbye.

I'll check with you

in half an hour.

Okay.

You can take mine,

too, please.

You certainly

don't eat very much.

I don't know how

you keep going.

I had a big lunch.

That reminds me,

I'd better check in

to base again.

Excuse me.

[Light music]

nothing's happened so far,

nothing at all.

Did you make a wish?

Yes.

I've got a confession

to make.

I bet I know

what it is.

You're still hungry.

No.

What I said about

coming into town

wasn't true.

I went home and connie

felt like being alone

so that made me

feel lonely, too.

So I decided

to call you.

That's not

a confession,

that's a

compliment.

You want

a ballpoint pen, senor ?

What?

Very cheap, senor.

8 Pesos.

Big bargain.

No, thanks.

Si!

No.

Much ink inside.

No, thank you.

She will write

2 million miles,

no refills.

How much

is 8 pesos?

65 Cents.

All right, bud.

You got

yourself a deal.

Thank you, senor.

Hey, kid, my pen!

What are you

grinning at?

Twill.

What's so funny?

That kid walked off

with my money.

Your face.

You're so serious.

Big bargain.

You're really

much too serious.

Maybe you're right.

But I don't think you're

like that underneath.

What did you want to do

when you were little?

First, I wanted to be

a fireman,

and then

a forest ranger,

then I guess

I wanted to be a cop.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

Senor, look,

you like red?

I got red, white, green,

blue, red and white,

black and white,

green and red--

blue and white.

No blue and white.

Red, red and white,

black and white,

green and red--

look,

I'll just take this one.

Go on, scoot. Shoo!

Thank you, senor!

Where were we?

You were just going

to take me home.

I'm afraid it's

getting very late.

It's only 10:15.

Want to stop at the

four oaks for a beer?

I told betty I'd come

right home after our shift.

So you'll be

half an hour late.

Take the

canal cutoff

and we'll be there

in 5 minutes.

Check that

car ahead.

You better take a look.

Yeah.

[Rustling]

what happened?

What's wrong?

It. It was...

Better get him

to the hospital.

Radio headquarters.

Right.

No! Mary jean.

Mary jean.

[Gasping]

[police radio]

it could have gone

a dozen different ways.

Every half-mile,

there's a junction

and the locks roll open.

I don't

understand.

Did you check

all the patrols on the sea?

Yes, they're certain

nothing got past them.

It's 23 miles

from that sea to that canal,

and there's

no connection by water.

I just got a report.

A farmer 15 miles

from here found

2 of his cattle dead.

Shriveled up.

He thinks they were

attacked about

10:00 last night.

10:00?

How's that possible?

We know that

the boy and girl

were attacked

here at 10:00.

Of course.

There must be

an underground

river through which

they escaped.

A river that leads

from the sea

to one of the pools

near the canal area.

They leave this

pool at night,

and come around

the canals in

search of food.

We'll have to patrol

the entire canal system.

There's 700 miles

of canal bank

in this county alone.

That could take us days.

We don't have days.

The egg at the lab

was almost hatching

when we got it.

We must find

their new nest,

before they lay

any more eggs.

I'll call

air national guard.

Their helicopters

will work with ours.

We'll check every pool

in this valley

for their secretion.

Good. Because

the possibility of finding

one pool out of

thousands is remote.

There's the chance

that there may be

an old survey map

that shows where

this underground river

empties into the pool.

Doctor,

if there is such a map,

we'll find it.

Come on,

we'll use our car.

This is helicopter 2-5,

reporting in.

We have covered

south basin.

There is no sign

of target pool.

Bearing

south-southeast.

Well, now,

we gave most

of our map collection

to the library.

We've already been

to the library.

We've checked

every possible source.

You're our last resort.

Too bad.

We don't have

many documents.

We don't have

room for them.

We put up a bond issue,

proposition 14-a,

specifically asking

for a document room.

Here.

Here we are.

Is this

all you have?

I'm sorry.

Just not a speck of room.

Mr. Dobbs,

this is very

important.

Have you heard of an

underground river

or ancient waterway

that runs through

the valley

that would empty

into a deep pool?

Dear,

let me think.

I can't

think of a thing.

But every once

in a while, somebody dies

and leaves us

a whole lot of documents

for our room,

the one we didn't get,

you understand.

Proposition 14-a

was defeated.

If you hear

anything,

you can get me

at the air base.

Air base?

Yeah, el centro.

Sure. I always cooperate

with the authorities.

You'll find I'm a very

cooperative person.

Thank you,

mr. Dobbs.

Just call on me

anytime. Night or day.

Give me navy

intelligence,

please.

Oni, yeah.

Lock 23?

Lock 23, okay.

[Operator] 46, okay,

nothing sighted.

We still

haven't spotted

the pool

where they've nested.

We have the entire

irrigation system

under patrol.

The gatekeepers

at each lock

are on 24-hour

guard.

Someone is bound to spot

one of those creatures.

When they do,

we close all the locks

and hold it

till we arrive.

Then we'll follow

it back to the pool.

Sounds like

an effective plan.

I'll be in capt.

Master's office.

All right.

How many patrols

have checked in?

The gatekeepers

have called, except 3.

See if you can get them.

Right.

Sally, try locks 14,

32 and 57.

I'll call you

back later, mom.

[Telephone rings]

lock 57.

Yes, I did try,

but the line was tied up.

No, I haven't

seen any creature.

Just plain

foolishness.

[Splashing water]

[children playing]

hey, boys!

Get away

from there!

We don't allow

no swimming here,

you know that.

Go on, now.

[Children]

okay.

Don't go in

there, sandy.

We're going

home now.

When can we

go swimming again?

I don't know, dear.

Then can I go look

at the rabbits?

Not today,

sweetie.

[Telephone rings]

dr. Rogers' office.

Yes, just a minute,

I'll read you

the figures on that.

That was 2-3-4-5.

Yes, and 5-4-2-3.

Hello, grace.

How are you today?

We have to be

very quiet,

because mommy

is so busy.

Poor grace.

You're cold.

If I had a

nice warm blanket,

I'd put it

over you.

Maybe I can

figure something out.

There.

Is that better?

I gotta go now.

Goodbye.

Fine.

Goodbye.

Sandy?

Yes, mommy.

Let's go home.

Lock 41, okay.

41, Okay.

Proceed eastward

on highway 8-0.

[Man on radio]

have you heard anything?

Not yet. We'll

keep you posted.

What time were

the boy and girl attacked

last night?

9:30 Or 10:00.

It's 9:00 now.

Yeah, I know.

[Splashing water]

mm-hmm.

Hey, you kids!

Don't try

to hide from me.

Hey, you kids!

Hey, you kids!

[Splashing water]

[screams]

[telephone rings]

[ring]

still no answer.

When did you

last talk to him?

At 8:00.

Do we have a car

in that area?

There's one

within half a mile.

You better call it.

Get moar and walker

in car 14.

Right.

This is control operations

calling car 14.

This is walker, car 14.

What've you got?

[Man on radio]

proceed to

canal junction 57.

Repeat. Proceed to

canal junction 5-7.

Right.

[Police siren]

my god. I'll call in.

[Moar]

this is car 14 calling

control operations.

Over.

Come in, car 14.

[Moar]

tell josh we found

the gatekeeper dead,

just like the others.

Have them stay there.

Radio all the patrols.

Roger.

Close everything

that leads to lock 57.

We'll try to hold it

long enough to follow it.

Right. Sally,

give me a line.

Commander!

Could I help you?

I'm here to see

cmdr. Twillinger.

Will he be back?

Not for some time.

You just missed him.

I know. Well.

Is there anything

I could do?

No.

I think maybe I better wait.

If it's all right?

He may be gone

for hours, mr....

Dobbs.

Lewis clark dobbs.

Mr. Dobbs.

Well.

I'll wait.

That's right.

Close the locks south

from juncture 302 to 23.

Right. And keep them closed

till you hear from me.

[Creature screams]

I called in the minute

I heard that noise.

I thought to myself,

"something's breaking

out there.

"There's sure

something breaking."

So I come out

to see what it was.

And there it was.

Why weren't you

out here?

The lock has

an emergency release.

You could've

stopped it.

Listen, commander,

I was only doing

what they told me.

I didn't know

you wanted to follow it.

You didn't?

Thanks, anyway.

I know how

you feel,

but it wasn't

his fault.

Twill?

Yeah?

What do we

do now?

Wait for

another one.

Come on,

let's go back.

Commander.

Lewis clark dobbs.

Hello, mr. Dobbs.

What is it?

It's probably not

anything at all.

I see.

How's it coming,

sailor?

The same, sir.

Nothing?

No, sir.

You said I was important,

you know,

about the map.

Yeah?

A very strange

thing happened.

I was looking

for these papers.

Actually,

I was looking

for this

petition.

We're campaigning again

for proposition 14-a,

the one tha was defeated,

and there was

this folder.

And in

the folder,

there was

this map.

I remembered it

because mrs. De

fauna de porto

had asked me

to take care of it,

and then she

passed on.

I told you about it,

didn't i?

A very

great loss.

You see, the de

fauna de porto family

settled this valley.

A most

distinguished family.

Is this a river?

No. But the indians

dug wells along there,

apparently.

Here.

It says here,

in spanish,

of course,

"the wells of life."

I read 18

foreign languages.

Clem!

Sir?

Any boys working

in the photo lab?

Not now.

Get them down there

right now.

I want this blown up

and graphed.

Order me a helicopter

at dawn

and notify

dr. Rogers.

Right.

Drop us down

a little.

That's the one.

How do you

want to proceed?

We radio

for equipment,

then dive and

destroy them.

Chances are

they're dormant now,

but any sound

may attract them.

So set your charges

and get out.

Right.

Are you ready?

Are you?

I think so.

Doctor, your lab's

on the mobile phone.

Thank you.

Yes, gail.

I sent you those

cylinders you asked for.

They should be

there in 10 minutes.

Thank you.

We may need them.

Hold on a minute.

Gail?

Yes, twill.

[Twill]

hi!

Is everything

all right?

Are you

all right?

Everything's fine.

Don't worry.

I'll call

you later.

[Gail]

okay. Twill?

Yeah?

Take care.

I always do.

Goodbye.

I'll take it.

I have you on

the frequency.

[Twill]

we're moving through

a dense growth.

Can't tell

what's ahead from here.

[Twill]

we've reached the bottom.

We've found them.

Any problems?

[Twill]

no,

I think

we can get them all.

It took you

3 minutes to get down.

Allow yourselves

2 minutes leeway.

[Twill]

will do.

[Twill]

we set the first charge.

[Johns]

the pin on my last charge

is stuck.

Twill,

johns is in trouble.

You're 30 seconds

past safe time.

Start up.

You're 42 seconds

past safe time.

Start up.

Are you

on your way up?

[Twill]

just a second.

[Twill]

we're on our way up.

You have 25 seconds.

Come on.

Let's help pull them up.

Hurry up.

You fellows

all right?

Uh-huh.

Uh-huh.

[expl*si*n]

I wanna make a check

in half an hour,

when the

sediment clears.

All right.

I'm sorry abou what happened

down there.

You don't

have to be.

I made a mistake.

When I signaled you,

I was sure the

pin was loose.

Forget it,

anyone's entitled

to an

honest mistake.

Anyway,

you saved my neck.

Thanks.

Excuse me,

I've got a

phone call to make.

It's a great relief

knowing

we got them all.

Yeah.

You know,

I guess I was wrong

about that guy.

The commander takes

a bit of knowing.

Mobile operator.

Give me dr. Rogers' office.

The navy lab,

salton sea, 2-2-1.

Johns is going to

stay to load up.

Would you mind

dropping me at the lab?

Sure, jump in.

I called gail at the lab,

but the line was busy.

Oh, really?

They're all down

at the pool, sir.

Yes, I will.

Hi, honey.

[Sandy]

hi, mommy.

I got dressed

by myself.

And a good job

you did, too.

Have you had

your orange juice?

Yes.

We'll have breakfast

in a little while.

Why don't you

go play?

[Telephone rings]

dr. Rogers' office.

I'm sorry,

he's not here now.

I can take a message

if you wish.

Yes, captain.

I'm sorry, he was called away.

Grace?

[Creature roars]

ah!

Mommy!

Sandy!

Honey, stay

where you are!

Mommy!

[Growling]

mommy!

Don't move!

It's all right,

honey.

Someone will come

soon and help us.

Mobile operator.

Could you try

the navy lab again?

Salton sea, 2-2-1.

That's right.

Still busy.

Want to stop and

get some breakfast?

No, thanks.

I had toast and coffee

when I got up.

But if you

want to stop--

no, I can wait.

[Growling]

sandy.

Do you see

that window?

Yes.

Can you get

up there?

Try!

I can't.

Try!

I can't!

Oh, god.

I want you to

close your eyes.

I want you to

close your eyes

and put your head

right there.

Don't open them

for a little while.

Good morning,

commander. Doctor.

Go ahead.

Gail!

Doctor!

Get help!

Get help!

Can you hear me?

Yes.

Can you hear me?

Yes.

Now listen,

when I holler

come out of there.

Now! All right.

Now!.

[Creature screams]

here, take

it easy now.

You're still shaken.

Yes, I am.

But I feel

all right now.

What about you?

I think

I'm all right.

You're just

fine, honey.

You know

something?

You can go

swimming again.

Can i?

Yes, ma'am,

you can.