Watch The Great Alligator

The Great Alligator, released in 1979, is an Italian horror-adventure movie, directed by Sergio Martino. The movie features an ensemble cast including Barbara Bach, Claudio Cassinelli, and Mel Ferrer. The story of the movie centers around a small Latin American town called Palombia, which is built on the edge of a swamp. The town is preparing for the opening of a new luxury hotel, which is being constructed in the swampy area. Before the grand opening, a group of tourists arrives in the town, eager to explore the swampland. The tourists, unaware of the danger lurking in the swamp, begin their journey into the wilderness.

As they venture deeper into the swamp, they encounter a variety of dangers such as quicksand, dangerous currents, and menacing alligators. Soon, the tourists begin to realize that they are not alone in the swampland, but instead, they are being stalked by a massive and ferocious alligator.

The plot of the movie is similar to the "creature-feature" genre of the 1970s, where a dangerous animal or creature plays the antagonist in the story. However, the plot of The Great Alligator distinguishes itself by juxtaposing the natural beauty of the swamp with the deadly danger of the alligator. The director, Sergio Martino, heightens the tension of the movie by expertly blending horror with the adventure genre.

The Great Alligator also features an excellent musical score, composed by Stelvio Cipriani. The haunting and powerful score is reminiscent of classic horror films of the 1960s, elevating the overall viewing experience. The cinematography of the movie is also impressive, with the vibrant greenery of the swampland and the suspenseful chase scenes expertly captured on film.

Barbara Bach, who had previously starred in the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me, plays the character of Alice Brandt, a journalist who is investigating the construction of the new luxury hotel. Bach's character is headstrong and determined, often putting herself in dangerous situations to uncover the truth. Claudio Cassinelli portrays David, the hero of the movie, who tries to save the tourists from the wrath of the alligator. Cassinelli's character is brave and skilled, and he leads the group of tourists through the treacherous terrain of the swampland.

Mel Ferrer, a well-known actor of the 1950s and 1960s, plays the character of Professor Cahnn, an expert in reptiles who is investigating the sudden increase in alligator attacks in the area. Ferrer's character is mysterious and intriguing, and the audience is left wondering whether he knows more about the alligator's aggression than he lets on.

Overall, The Great Alligator is an entertaining and suspenseful film that delivers a balance of horror and adventure. The film's picturesque location and exemplary performances from the cast elevate the movie's overall quality. While some viewers may find the plot formulaic for the "creature-feature" genre, the film's execution is effective and enjoyable, making it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.

The Great Alligator is a 1979 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5.