Monster of Piedras Blancas, The (1959)

[bunniefuu]

Hey.

Hey you there.

I told you to stay away from this light.

I meant it.

Now go on beat it.

Never saw anything like it in my life

heads ripped clean off.

What do you think, constable?

I don't know what to think.

They're as white as sheets.

They don't look like they got

a drop of blood left in them.

We'll know better after an autopsy.

I bet old Sturges knows

more than he'll tell.

The Rinaldi brothers always

fished out at the point.

The boat could've drifted back.

How about it, Matson?

Suppose you let me do the thinking.

You take these bodies over to Kochek's

and I'll have Doc Jorgenson

take a look at them.

Ah, I still think Sturges

ought a tell us what he knows.

Maybe he don't know nothin.

Ya wanna bet?

All right, now quit your grumbling.

Get 'em out of here.

Okay, folks, you go on home now will ya.

This is not a Roman holiday please.

I need some supplies.

Did you see what happened

to the Rinaldi brothers?

I didn't stop.

It was me that found them.

I went out on the pier to

look at my lobster traps,

when I see the boat way out

over there by the breaker line,

but it was low in the water

and looked like it was empty.

But I did not pay much attention

until it drifted near the pier.

Then I seen them like slaughtered steers.

Their throats cut clean.

Funny thing though not much blood around.

Did the lens cleaner

I ordered come in yet?

That'll be in next week.

You know the constable has the

idea that they got caught in

that squall we had last night,

and couldn't keep off the rocks.

But if that was the case

I say they would still be

on the rocks and nothing

left of that boat at all.

Let me have a pound of

liver and two of bacon.

You wanna know what I think?

It ain't rocks and it ain't squalls.

It's something living that did it.

Kochek, you talk too much.

That's what they said two years ago

when that couple came down

from the east to go fishing.

They found nothing else

but some debris washed up on the shore.

Anything else?

Just my week's meat scraps.

You know if this had

happened when I first came here

there would be nobody said

nothing about rocks and squalls.

It would be the monster

of Piedras Blancas.

I'm not so sure they would not be right.

You know we should pay more

attention to these legends.

It would explain many things

that have happened in

the last thirty years.

Kochek, you're a bigger

fool than I thought.

Now where's my meat scraps?

You did not show up yesterday,

so I gave them to Bert for his hogs.

You knew I'd be in.

I'm getting tired of keeping

these meat scraps for you.

Besides Bert paid for it.

You idiot.

You'll be sorry for this.

That'll be $3.00.

Where we put them?

Wait a minute I'll open up the ice room.

Now don't forget we're burying

the Rinaldi brothers in the morning.

First class funeral better not miss it.

What's burning him?

I didn't save the

scraps for his stupid dog.

I understand Doc Jorgenson's

coming to look them over.

I've got my own idea's

of what happened come on.

Good morning, dad.

You left early this morning, Lucille.

I had to open up.

I got the supplies so

you won't have to shop.

Thanks.

Be home before dark.

I'll have supper ready.

Oh, I've got to work tonight, dad.

Mrs. Matson isn't feeling too well.

I got some nice liver

you always like that.

I'm sorry I can't help it.

I don't like you coming home after dark.

Oh, I'll be all right.

Fred will bring me.

Don't be late

understand?

Yes, sir.

Oh, Mr. Sturges, can

I have a word with you?

Aye, yeah.

Thought maybe you

might be able to help me.

Now I know the Rinaldi boys

always fished out at the point,

I thought you might have seen them.

Um, what time did the squall

hit out there last night?

About midnight.

What time do you start the fog horn?

I blew from 11:30 til dawn.

And you didn't see

anything unusual all night?

If I had I'd tell ya.

Well, just that I knew

they always fished out there.

I've told them plenty of times

it's dangerous this time of year.

Never can tell when a blows coming up.

But they wouldn't listen.

Nobody listens.

They'll learn someday

What's aching him?

He is the most

unfriendly man I ever knew.

Oh, I'm sorry, Lucy.

I didn't mean that.

This business has got me upset I guess.

That's all right, Mr. Matson.

I know the town isn't very fond of dad.

I'll go see what Doc's found out.

I don't imagine there'll be

many people in for lunch today

so take the afternoon off if you like.

Eddie here can take care of things.

All right, I'll see.

All right.

Your dad and the town always

been at odds with one another?

No, not always.

What happened?

Don't wanna tell me?

Some other time.

Hey, lady, you gonna let

a customer die of thirst?

I don't know why I let this upset me?

Oh, it's natural.

Dad isn't really like that.

Look, I'm sure he isn't.

Hey, I've got a good idea.

What's that?

Well, I've gotta go out to the Point

and pick some specimens

why don't you come along,

Gee, I'd like to,

but I haven't had a chance

to clean this place all day.

You might not get another offer.

All right.

Maybe the town's people

won't be hungry today,

but I bet you will.

I'll make some sandwiches

and we'll take them with us.

There you see I knew

there was some reason

I wanted you to come along.

I'm not sure it's me or my

cooking you're falling for.

Well, I always try

to keep them guessing.

Oh, you do, do you.

Well,

what happened, Doc?

What'd ya find?

Well, the jugular veins,

the carotid arteries,

the esophagus, the trachea

were cut straight across.

There was a complete

transection of the spinal cord.

In short the heads were

severed from the trunks.

Death was instantaneous.

Well, how could it have happened?

I don't know, George.

If we were living in the 19th century,

I'd say they were victims

of the guillotine.

You mean they were m*rder*d?

That's your department not mine.

I thought maybe it was an accident.

Well, maybe it was,

but I doubt it.

The manner of death was

identical in both cases

and it had all the earmarks

of a conscious act.

Looks to me like the

work of some inhuman beast.

Oh, that's a pack of nonsense, Kochek.

You haven't been here as

long as I have, constable.

Have you not heard of the legend of

the monster of Piedras Blancas?

It's an old wives's

tale and you know it.

Yes, of course it is.

Now it may have been a freak accident

or we may have a lunatic on our hands.

Have there been any reports of

strangers in the vicinity, George?

No, I haven't heard of any.

I can check with the

constable over at Windswept.

Yeah, let's go over to the office.

Look, Kochek, the whole town's upset.

Now keep your stories to yourself

until we get this cleared up.

Do you really think you will?

Let's try this.

You fix the grub, ma'am.

You sound like a drugstore cowboy.

Flattery will get you nowhere.

I've noticed.

The town's people don't

know what they're missing.

Neither does Mr. Matson.

Well, it isn't gonna bankrupt the Wings.

Oh, I left a dollar in the till.

I feel like a kept man.

Don't you worry I'll get

it back several times over.

Remember, you're taking me to

the Windswept Saturday night.

Oh, was that this Saturday night?

You know darn well it was.

Oh, that's right next

Saturday night's Marjorie.

And the following Saturday, Imogene.

Imogene?

Kochek's prize Holstein.

Thank you very much.

Now can I have a pickle?

Help yourself.

Fred,

why did Mr. Matson question

dad about the Rinaldi brothers?

Just a shot in the dark, I guess.

He couldn't think dad

had anything to do with it.

Well, I'll ask George,

but I think he was just

looking for a clue.

I guess so, but it worries me.

I know the whole town's against dad

and all he wants is just to be left alone.

Well, sometimes in a small

town that's asking too much.

Oh, I gotta get going

or I'll never get any specimens.

Oh, I love it here.

I wish I never had to go back

to town.

No no, back in the house, Ring.

Go on, get in there now.

I don't know Doc there aren't

any leads from Windswept.

I haven't got one thing to go on

except two mangled corpses

and a busted up boat.

I wish I could say I thought

it was an accident, George

so you could close the books,

but it just doesn't add up.

You know there was something I didn't

mention to you in front of Kochek.

Oh, what was that?

Do you remember when I told you that

the heads were severed from the trunks

almost as if by a surgeon's scalpel?

Yeah.

And yet the main arteries

were distended several inches.

It appeared as if something had been

attached to pump out the blood.

I don't understand what you mean, Sam.

Generally, when a person is

k*lled the heart stops pumping

almost immediately.

There's always some

blood left in the body.

You mean that there wasn't

any blood left in them?

Essentially none.

Sam, you don't think we got a

monster on our hands now do you?

No, no, no, I don't.

I think that there's a logical explanation

that we just haven't found yet.

But if I were you, I'd

ride hard on Kochek.

Rumors won't help now.

If you take my advice

you'll lock the doors

and stay in the house tonight.

Thanks, Mrs. Wilson.

Don't forget what I said.

What can I do for you, constable?

You can do what I asked you to.

I was only telling Mrs.

Wilson what I thought.

Well, that's the trouble with you

you're always telling

people what you think.

No crime in that.

In the past no maybe not

but this time you got

the whole town upset.

They got reason to be.

About the Rinaldi brothers, yes,

but not about some monster.

You know as well as I do,

those two were not m*rder*d

by any ordinary human.

I didn't say anything about m*rder.

You giving out that

bunk about an accident.

Until I'm sure that's

the official theory.

And you better remember it.

Any two year old can

tell that was no accident.

You should look up the

history of this village.

Look, Kochek, I'm not

gonna argue with you.

Now, I'm ordering you to stop the rumors

and if you don't stop spreading them

I'm going to lock you up for

attempting to incite riot.

You can't do that.

You try me.

What's the trouble?

Oh, I don't know why people

don't mind their own business.

Who, Kochek?

Yeah.

He's got the whole town

in a state of nerves.

He's a great talker.

I told him if he didn't quit it,

I was gonna have him thrown in jail.

You can't do that.

No, I know that but

I don't think he does.

Come inside for a minute will you, Fred.

I wanna talk to you.

Come on have a cup of coffee.

That Kochek's an idiot.

If he'd spend half as much time

tending to business as he does gossiping

we'd be better off.

I ordered that cleaner a month ago.

Next week, he says.

I'll bet we don't get

it this time next month.

I don't see why they can't leave us alone.

We do our job.

There hasn't been a wreck on

this point since we been here

then those two brothers go fishing

next thing people asking questions

prying into our business.

They ought a keep away from the point.

That's what the lights here for.

I wish that girl wouldn't work nights

a lonely place to get to after dark.

Come on, Ring.

Come on, boy.

I'd invite you in but

it would only upset dad.

He's gonna have to

get to know me sometime.

Let him get used to the idea

of us going together first.

Has he always been like that?

When I was a child he was lots of fun.

What happened?

I remember it was just

before my 9th birthday

father hadn't been feeling

too well that afternoon.

There was a ship in trouble off the coast

and daddy had to stay in the tower.

Mother got worse

but wouldn't let me call

him until early morning.

He phoned for the Doctor,

but they refused to come out in the storm.

When they returned mother was dead.

I'm sorry.

They were so much in love.

When daddy was first transferred here

he wouldn't have anything

to do with anybody.

Shortly after I was sent

away to boarding school.

It's just been in the last two years

that I've even been home

during summer vacations.

He must be a very lonely man.

He is.

He lives in a world all of his own.

Sometimes I can't even get through to him.

How's he gonna take me?

All right I think.

But it's going to be slow.

Well, we've got the rest of the summer.

It's a beautiful night.

It's almost too nice.

I haven't got a parlor

I can invite you into,

but I've got the best

beach rocks on the coast.

Let's take a walk.

I'd love to, but if I don't

get those specimens prepared

I collected this afternoon,

our trip will have been for nothing.

Well, you're very flattering.

I'm sorry, now you know

I didn't mean it that way.

I forgive you.

I'll be all right.

See you tomorrow.

Night.

Lucy.

Lucy.

You're late, Lucille.

I'm sorry.

Did I hear you drive up a while back?

Uh, huh.

It was a beautiful night.

You've been swimming.

How many times have I told

you not to go swimming

on that beach at night alone?

Daddy, you wouldn't have

wanted me to swim with anybody.

I forgot my suit.

I don't know what they teach

you in college these days,

but it certainly isn't modesty.

Independence, daddy, independence.

All the same this is a

wild and desolate coast

and no place for a young lady

or anyone else for that matter

to be out alone at night.

All right I won't do it again.

Tonight I had the strangest

idea that I had a visitor.

What do you mean?

Nothing really I guess.

I just had the feeling that

somebody was watching me.

You go swimming alone again at night

and I'm gonna ship you back to that fine

school of yours before vacations over.

Daddy, you're not serious.

Yes, you bet I am.

You're really angry.

Better get to bed it's getting late.

I'm sorry, dad.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Jimmy, you don't have

to come to the cemetery.

Okay, mom.

Mr. Kochek.

Mr. Kochek.

Hey, Mr. Kochek, where are ya?

Mr. Kochek.

Mr. Kochek.

Mr. Kochek.

Mr. Kochek.

We lay these brothers

to rest with this promise

that their untimely end

shall not go unaccounted for.

As we put them to rest

in the good earth of

their native village I

shall read these words

for they were men who

lived and died by the sea.

Oh, most powerful and glorious Lord God,

at whose command the winds

blow lift up the waves of

m*rder, m*rder, m*rder.

Mom,

someone's been m*rder*d.

Mom,

someone's been m*rder*d.

Who is it, Jimmy?

Mr. Kochek he's dead.

He looks awful.

Where, son, where, where?

I went his store to buy some candy

and he was in his office dead

and, mom, he didn't have any head.

Doc, can you hold them

here for a few minutes

till I get back to town?

Ya, ya, sure.

Come on, Eddie, let's go.

We're not through here yet, folks.

Let us repeat the Lord's Prayer.

Our Father who art in Heaven

This is no place for women and children.

I'll send them home.

Come on please go on home

until the Doc has looked at the body.

We'll give you a report.

Go ahead now.

Eddie, put the body in the counter cloth.

How'd it happen?

You'd better have a look.

Eddie, you better get outside

and get yourself some fresh

air so you feel better.

Okay.

Yeah and poor little Jimmy

had to see a thing like this.

Is that Kochek?

Yeah.

Same way?

A complete transection of all the

veins and arteries, plus the esophagus,

the trachea, and the spinal cord.

I couldn't have done a cleaner job myself.

And no blood again, Doc?

No, pumped dry.

All right that does it.

Now let's have a look around

and see what we can find.

He must have been k*lled last

night or early this morning.

Now look this blob of ink here

it's completely dry.

Now I'd say that much ink

wouldn't dry in less than four hours, Doc.

What do you think?

Yeah, I say four hours would be minimum.

Yeah, I drove by here

about 10:30 last night.

The door was open

so I stopped in to see if

everything was all right.

Kochek said he had to work late.

It was hot in here

and he left the door open to get some air.

It must have happened between

10:30 and 4:00 this morning.

Well it's difficult to tell

with a body in that condition.

I'd say about 1:00 or 2:00 am.

Yeah, well, I'll settle for that.

Fred, did you find anything?

No, nothing yet.

Fred, come here a minute.

What do you make of this?

I don't know.

It looks like a fish

gill but it's too big.

Well, maybe something

he picked up on the beach.

Well, could be but I've never

seen anything like it before.

Well, let's take it over to my office.

We can run some tests on it

and look at it under the microscope.

Might as well.

Doesn't seem to be

anything else around here.

Let's go.

Are you all right?

Yeah.

Take the body in the ice room, Eddie.

Lock the place up and stay here

and keep an eye on things.

I'll send a relief over later.

Sure, did you find anything?

No.

Maybe it was Kochek's monster.

Now, none of that.

We got enough trouble the way it is.

You two scientists have

been dipping that thing in

the solution for the last hour

looking at it this way and that.

Now what is it?

Our good constable doesn't seem to

realize that scientific investigation

is a slow and tedious process.

Sometimes taking years.

Oh, fine we haven't even got days.

Oh, relax, George.

I'll be through here in a minute.

Fred, hand me that comparative slide.

Fred.

Come here and take a look at this.

What do you think?

There's no doubt about it

the two structures are similar.

What's similar?

The structure of the specimen we found

in Kochek's store is essentially the same

as that of the Diplovertebron

only larger.

What is a Diplovertebron?

It's a prehistoric amphibious reptile

thought to be extinct.

Fossilized specimens have been found

about a 100 miles north of here.

But this is living tissue.

Living tissue?

I thought you said they were extinct.

This is not the scale

of a Diplovertebron.

I simply said they were similar.

Well, what is it then?

I wish we knew that

and how it got into Kochek's store.

What he's always roaming

up the coast fishing

it's probably something he

found and brought home with him.

Well, maybe, but I still want to run a

few more tests on this, yeah.

I think so.

And in the meantime I'm no

closer to solving my problem.

Well, that's about it until we can make

positive identification one way or another

even then it may not help.

I can't do any good here.

I might as well get back to the cafe.

Mr. Matson.

Mr. Matson.

Mr. Matson.

Oh, Mr. Matson, I've been

looking all over for you.

What's the matter, Lucy?

It's dad.

What happened?

I don't know exactly.

I found him at the bottom

of one of the caves.

He's hurt I can tell he's unconscious.

All right just take it easy.

We'll go right out.

Here, Lucy, here take one of these.

You'll feel better in a minute.

All right can you make it?

All right let's get going come on.

Here you are, Doc.

Thanks.

Lucy, you stay here.

Doc.

Yeah.

How is he, doctor?

Has a bad gash in his right

arm and his leg is hurt.

I can't tell how badly until

I examine him more carefully.

Help me get him to his feet.

Be careful that arm is hurt real bad.

That's it.

George, you get my bag will you please.

All right.

Let's get him to the lighthouse

so I can give him a more

thorough examination.

In there.

Easy.

Would anybody like some coffee?

Yes.

Why don't you get some.

I'll be a minute.

She's taking it pretty well.

She a fine girl, Fred.

Yeah, I know.

Doc,

how is he?

He's had a bad fall,

but he's the wiry type.

Doctor?

No, no, later, Lucy, thank you.

Will he be all right?

Well, he'll need rest

take some time for this arm to heal

and he'll have to be careful

no infection sets in.

What about his leg?

Well, fortunately it isn't broken.

There's a

just a sprain and a bad cut.

I'll tape it up.

Thank goodness.

Honey, do you have any idea

how this might have happened?

Nothing more than I told you.

I went to bed about 11:00.

I thought I heard him

go out but I'm not sure.

Was he alone?

Probably Ring went with

That's strange.

What?

In all the excitement I hadn't noticed.

Ring hasn't been around all morning.

You know I've never

seen those two apart.

They never are except

when dad goes into town

then he locks him up.

I'll call him.

Ring.

Here, Ring.

Ring.

Come here, Ring.

I don't know where he's gotten to.

He usually comes when I call him.

Oh, he'll show up.

Lucy

here

now he'll probably

sleep for quite a while.

When he wakes up give him one of these.

If the pain is bad one every two hours

otherwise one every four

hours is often enough.

Would you take him to my room please?

Oh, sure.

Boys, would you help him?

I think he'll be more comfortable in bed.

You bet.

Easy now.

All right.

Can he have something to

eat when he wakes up, Doctor?

Yes, if he feels like

it but don't force him.

I'll be back later to have a look

and if there's any change you can call.

Thank you.

I wish he'd had felt like talking

maybe been able to tell us something.

Well, it shouldn't be to

hard to figure out, George.

There was a broken lantern

on the beach beside him.

Now, he must have gone out

last night when Lucy heard him.

He went down by the rocks and fell.

That still doesn't

explain where the dog is.

He's probably out on

the moors chasing rabbits.

Maybe so.

We better get back to town.

Yeah, yeah.

Look take my Jeep.

I'm gonna stay with Lucy for a while.

You can come back and pick me up later.

All right, Fred.

Perhaps he'll be able to talk then.

Thanks for everything.

Anytime, Lucy.

You look bushed.

Sit down I'll get you a coffee.

I don't know how dad's

going to take this.

He's never been sick a day in his life.

Well, he's just gonna

have to get used to it

and take it easy for a while.

You don't know dad and his lighthouse.

I'll come out and give you a hand.

Maybe it'll give me a chance

to get to know him a little better.

Lucy?

He's awake.

How do you feel, dad?

I don't know.

What happened?

We found you on the beach

at the bottom of one of the big cliffs.

The doctor says you'll

have to stay in bed.

But I can't.

You've got to.

I've got to tend the light.

I'm sorry, sir, those are orders.

What are you doing here?

He helped get you up from the beach.

Oh.

Would you like something to eat?

Maybe some broth.

I suppose you won't leave me alone

until you get your own way.

It'll be good for you.

Watch him will you, Fred.

I'll be right back.

Thank you.

That's all right.

Do you have any idea what happened?

I'm trying to think.

Well, you must have gone out last night.

Lucy said she heard you

and there was the broken

lantern on the beach.

Yes, that's right.

After she went to her room,

I took the lantern and

started down toward the cove.

Why?

She'd been swimming again

and I'd forbidden it.

She's headstrong

and last night she had the feeling

she was being watched.

I went down to see what I could find.

Did you see anyone?

No.

There's been another m*rder.

Who?

Kochek we found his body this afternoon.

He talked too much.

Mr. Sturges, you've

been around a long time

what do you know of the legend?

Piedras Blancas?

Oh, the coastal currents

off this point are

very treacherous.

The rocks on the seaward side are

covered in white with gull dropping.

In bad weather they're

almost impossible to see

and many a ship was lost on those rocks

before this light was built.

There's not a record of any survivors.

With the coast and surf like that

that isn't surprising.

No, but people would

rather start a legend.

Some of the earlier settlers claimed

a monster lived in the

rocks below this point.

Do you believe it?

Of course not.

Has anyone ever had

a look in those caves?

It's government land nobody's allowed.

Do you mind if I have a look?

There's nothing there.

Well, then it won't hurt to have a look.

I don't want you on those rocks.

It's dangerous.

All right.

Are you sure that you don't remember

anything that happened last night?

If I did I'd tell you.

Look.

Where'd you find her, Will?

Will?

I understand how you feel we all do.

But if we're ever gonna

stop this wanton k*lling

you got to try to help us.

You got to tell me whatever you can.

Will, where was she going?

Her mother sent her to the store.

Thanks, Will.

Come on, let's go check with Eddie

see if she ever got there.

His broth will be ready in a minute.

What's the matter?

Oh, nothing.

I can tell.

Now what is it?

Is your father often

gone from the lighthouse

any length of time?

Why do you ask?

You said after your

mother died that he changed.

Yes.

And that after you moved out here

he wanted to be left alone.

He even sent you away to school,

wouldn't let you come

home during vacations.

What are you getting at?

How long was it after you moved here

that he sent you away to school?

About two months.

Did anything unusual happen

before he sent you away?

I don't think so.

But you said he seemed

better for a while.

He was.

Then why did he send you away?

Some thing I did.

It wasn't anything just kid's stuff.

Now go on.

Oh, when we lived up north he

he let me play around the rocks and

go to the beach alone.

But shortly after we moved here

he refused me the privilege.

He said it was too dangerous.

The cliffs never seemed any

bigger than the ones up north.

So I sneaked away one day

and got caught in one of

the caves by the tide.

When he found me it was

dark and he was furious.

I'd never seen him like that.

He sent me to bed without supper

and the next morning I was

packed off to boarding school.

I didn't see him for almost ten years.

And he didn't give

you any reason at all?

I never questioned him.

You've heard of the legend White Rocks?

Sure.

But you've never been in those caves?

Think I'll have a look.

What for?

Your father's keeping something from me.

Isn't that a little unfair?

I don't think so.

He as much as ordered me

not to go in those caves.

Well, this is his light.

He's responsible.

Look, that's not quite the point.

Three people in the last 24 hours

have met with violent deaths.

I don't think there's

anything to the legend,

but I've gotta be sure.

Even if it means disobeying my father?

I'm not his son-in-law yet.

I thought you trusted him.

I do.

If you did you wouldn't go to the caves.

I'm sorry.

I don't think you'd

better come here again.

Eddie.

Eddie.

Eddie.

That's funny I told him to stay

here until I sent a relief.

Let's look outside.

I can't understand where

Eddie's disappeared to.

You look in the office

and see if Kochek's body's still there.

I'll try the ice room.

But, George, I just looked there.

George, you all right?

Go get him.

No, no, not now.

Him,

him.

Is he dead?

He's got a broken collar bone

and his back may be injured.

We better get him over to my office.

Look.

Sam.

It's the same?

Take it easy.

Why it's identical.

Then I guess we found our k*ller

Or he's found us.

Can you handle things here?

I better go get Fred.

All right, George, now be careful.

Lucy.

Lucy.

Lucy, I've got to see Fred.

What's happened?

There've been two more murders.

Oh, no. Who?

Eddie and Will's little girl.

How did it happen?

I haven't got time to tell you now.

I've got to get Fred

and go back into town.

He went down to the cliffs.

All right. Oh, look

Now remember one thing

you keep the place locked

and don't come out until we call you.

Now there's a creature

loose around here someplace.

He's not headed this way,

but don't take any chances.

All right.

Now remember.

All right.

You gave me quite a fright.

I'm sorry, Fred.

What's the matter?

We found our k*ller.

What is it?

It's inhuman.

He's nearly seven feet tall.

He's got tremendous strength.

You know that scale, that scale you found

that was part of it.

He's k*lled two more people and escaped.

Where'd he go?

South along the beach.

We've got to track him down.

I'll tell Lucy.

No, no, no, no.

I've already warned her.

They're in no danger.

We'll go after him so come on.

Daddy, do you want

some broth it's ready?

All right, wait a minute, men, wait.

Now look Fred and I will cover

the beach along the rocks.

Merit, you take two men and

cover the cliffs from the top.

Jake, you try the moor.

Now don't get divided

and don't try to take him for yourselves

because you're no match for him.

Now fire three signal shots in case

you come in contact with him

but don't get too close.

Wait til the rest of us get there.

You understand that?

Yeah.

All right, let's go.

Look at the size of those prints.

Want me to signal?

No, no, no.

Let's wait until we're

sure that he's cornered.

You know some of these caves

come out on top of the cliff.

Come on.

Come on he must have

gone out through the top.

Come on.

Over here.

Merit's dead.

We'll have to get Mike back

right away and patch him up.

We'll all have to go back.

We'll need reinforcements.

Well, come on, let's go then

he needs medical attention.

Yeah, now look men we'll

start the hunt tomorrow

morning at daybreak.

Bring Merit's body, boys, will you?

Let me help you.

Dad, you're feeling better.

You slept most of the day.

This is good and warm.

It'll give you strength.

No, I've got to get up to the light.

Eat this and we'll talk about it.

You don't understand.

Yes I do.

There that's better.

Dad?

Yes.

Why didn't you want

Fred to go to the caves?

It's dangerous.

Is that the only reason?

What's between you and Fred?

I'm in love with him.

I don't want you to see him again.

Two more people have

been k*lled in the village.

Do you know anything about the killings?

The people in the village think you do.

They're fools.

Daddy, the last person

k*lled was a child

a little girl.

Maybe I'm responsible I don't know.

What do you mean?

Do you remember the long walks I

used to take when we first came here?

You'd say they helped to keep you

from brooding about mother.

Yes.

Well

there were many caves

along the cliffs that I

I was sure had never been explored.

I noticed one in particular at low tide.

One day when the tide was at full ebb

I waded out through the opening and

walked through it

I walked for what seemed miles and

until

I saw a light ahead.

I climbed up to it and

and found a narrow fissure opening

at the mouth of the big

cave below the lighthouse.

It wasn't big enough for me to get

through so I had to go back.

Just before I got to the entrance

I realized the tide had closed me in.

Suddenly, I

I had the strangest feeling

that I was being watched

and I heard sounds like heavy breathing.

I dove through the opening and swam out.

The next day I went

back to the mouth of the

cave below the light and

left some fish I'd caught.

The following morning they were gone.

Is that why you packed

me off to boarding school?

I knew it wouldn't be long until you'd

you'd find that opening

and squeeze through.

I couldn't take a chance, Lucy.

After you left I was even more lonely.

Strange but I got to worrying about

that poor creature in the cave.

I fished every day and left my catch.

Finally, I

I just couldn't catch enough sol

I got meat scraps.

It wasn't long before the fish was refused

and I had to get more

I had to get more meat.

And last night when you mentioned

that you had the feeling

someone was watching you

I had to go down and see.

I must have slipped on the rocks or

I don't know.

I'm sorry, dad.

Can you remember anything

else that happened last night?

I just had the feeling somebody

was watching me that's all.

Dad, do you mean to tell me you've been

feeding this whatever

it is all these years?

Until Kochek gave my

scraps away the other day.

I'd have paid him for them

if that's what he wanted.

I'm sure he didn't do it spitefully.

So you see if there is a monster

maybe in a way I am responsible.

Don't say that, dad.

You had no way of knowing.

But I should have guessed.

I should have guessed

and told the sheriff.

But somehow I had a

I had a protective feeling

like it was my own.

After you left it was very lonesome, Lucy

and it seemed less lonesome knowing

that there was some

living creature nearby.

I know it's stupid but

I never got along with the townspeople.

It was something to hang on to.

I understand.

Dr. Jorgenson says you'll

have to stay in bed.

I've got to tend the light.

I'll turn it on when it's time.

But the prisms need cleaning

and it's got to be oiled.

One night won't hurt.

Lucy, you've got to help me.

It's going to be a clear night.

You don't have to worry.

But suppose the legend is true?

You could k*ll yourself

going up there tonight.

I could do less, I can't.

It's my responsibility.

Oh, all right let me

get you something warm.

Lucy, you've got to help me.

If a ship were to ground tonight

and he was out there hunting

there wouldn't be a single survivor.

Let's rest awhile.

All right, now?

Yeah, let's go on.

I'll be all right, now.

You can go down.

Are you sure?

If I need you I'll call you.

Better bolt the door and windows.

Now go.

All right.

What's that for?

Because I love you.

Look, Doc, can I give you a hand?

No, I'm almost finished now, George.

Well, how bad is he?

He'll be all right

had a bad blow on the head,

he's suffering from shock,

mashed hand

but I can't find much other damage.

Look, I don't know what good

all this snooping around does.

Now that we got a monster on our hands

let's go out and get it.

You saw what happened this afternoon.

We're no match for him yet.

All right I'm sorry.

I'm just jumpy.

Well, what did you find?

It's definitely a member of

the Diplovertebron family

but a peculiar derivation.

Where'd he come from?

Well, from the description

you and the doctor gave me

and a careful analysis of these two scales

I'd say he was created

at the bottom of the sea.

No, I don't understand it.

Well, it's obvious from

the structure of this scale

that he's capable of

sustaining tremendous pressures

the likes of which you'd

only find at great depths

still he seems equally capable

of living out of water.

This leads me to believe perhaps

he's from a subterranean cave.

Well, then you think

he's some kind of fish?

No.

But he bears a marked resemblance

to the reptilian family.

Like a crocodile, huh?

That's right.

Of course, we have no

idea where he came from

or how he got here and I'm just guessing

but I'd say he's a mutation

of the reptilian family.

Well, this is what we've got to decide

before we go after him in the morning.

Does he have a brain that's capable of

rational thinking or is he just a beast?

If he can think we're in real trouble.

Okay, Mike,

you take it easy for a while.

Thanks, Doc.

What do you think, Doc?

I think we'd better try to establish

a pattern from his actions.

You'll buy the reptilian theory then?

It accounts for the

blood lust all right.

Also explains his appearance.

Did you notice anything

about his vision or hearing?

Not much.

It all happened too fast.

Off hand I'd say he operates

primarily on the sense of smell.

Why do you say that?

We didn't discover him

until George surprised him

by going into the ice room.

Now either he's very

clever knew we were there

and was hiding or else he

didn't sense the danger

until we were right on top of him.

Well, he might have been asleep.

If his hearing was any

good he would have awakened

long before that.

I don't think he just happened

to go into Kochek's store.

I think he smelled meat, went in,

found Kochek, finished him off,

and then went into the ice

room in search of more food.

And then poor Eddie walked

right into the death trap.

You think he either sensed or knew

that if he remained there he'd be fed.

Then we have a thinking monster.

I'm afraid so.

I'd like to take him alive.

Why we wouldn't stand a chance.

Besides I couldn't allow that.

I'm responsible for the welfare

of the people of this town.

Now we've got a monster on our hands

and it's my job to see it's destroyed.

George, it may be the

safest way to get him.

You're, you're siding with him?

Now look it won't be easy to k*ll

this thing even if we want to.

You saw what happen to the

meat cleaver when it hit him.

Now maybe we can k*ll him

with a g*n I don't know.

But I do know that our greatest

advantage is our brains.

All right then let's use

them and not take a chance.

Listen to me a minute.

We'll get a net and we'll put

it at the base of the cliff

with a side of beef in the middle of it.

When he comes to get the meat

we drop the net and close in on him.

Believe me, George, it's the safest way.

If you try to corner him

there's no telling how many men

he will k*ll before you get him.

Besides that Fred is right.

He may answer a lot of our

questions on evolution.

As well as putting our town on the map.

I suppose you two will get your own way.

If I didn't believe it was right,

I wouldn't even suggest it.

All right then let's get into town.

I want to see that the streets

are all cleared by dark.

Then we'll go to the garage

and get on this net business.

Well, see you later, Doc.

Call me if you need me.

I'll be here.

Here, Ring.

Ring.

Here, Ring.

Ring.

Come here, Ring.

Come on, boy.

Hi.

Hi.

How's Mike?

Well, he'll be all right.

Look, Jake, Fred wants a rope net.

What for?

Well, I've got an idea

of the safest way to

catch the monster is to trap him.

Now if we can get a net about 10x10

I think we can do it.

You got one?

I think so we'll take a look.

All right, I'll be back shortly.

I have to go over to the office

Take the Jeep.

Oh, thanks.

Dad.

I'll be right there just changing.

I thought I'd come over

and see how things are going.

We could use another hand.

Well, fine what do I do?

Help tie this together.

What are you gonna do with

this thing if you do catch it?

Ship it to the university.

What are they gonna do with it?

Finding a living link in

the evolution of any species

could clear up a lot of

unanswered questions.

I guess so but it ain't

getting this net built.

Fred.

Fred, I'm worried.

What's the matter?

Well, as I drove over from the office,

I noticed the light wasn't on.

You better phone Lucy and see

if everything is all right.

Go ahead.

There's no answer.

Did you use the right number?

761.

Try it again.

Something's wrong I

better get out there.

All right, you go ahead.

Now, I'll round up some men

and I'll follow as quickly as I can.

I'll go with you.

Lucy.

Lucy.

Lucy.

Dad.

Ring.

Lucy, go back you can't do anything.

Run, Lucy, run.

I'll go for help.

Hurry the monster's in

the lighthouse with dad.

Stay there.

He's in the tower.

Barricade the front we'll have him trapped

I'm all right, Lucy.

He'll never get through the steel door

Look, we'll use the net

to block the entrance off.

Good you brought some extra rope.

Is there any clothes line?

In the back.

All right I'll get it.

Can you get a line up to me?

I'll throw one up

and we'll rig it to the

tow rope make a boatswain's chair.

Look out, Look out.

No, hold your fire

you might hit Sturges.

Get back, darling.

Keep him in the light.

Lucy, turn on the light.

Fred.