Watch The Neanderthal Man

The Neanderthal Man is a 1953 science fiction film directed by E.A. Dupont. The movie focuses on an eccentric scientist named Dr. Brockton, played by Robert Shayne, who is determined to prove that evolution can go backwards. Brockton is a respected professor, but his colleagues are skeptical of his work and think he is crazy. Despite their objections, Brockton continues his experiments and creates a serum that he believes can devolve a man back to the Neanderthal stage of evolution.

Brockton tests the serum on himself and undergoes a transformation, becoming a hulking, primitive man. He quickly discovers that his new form gives him incredible strength and agility, and he uses this to wreak havoc on those who doubted him. He also develops a primal desire to mate and searches for a female companion.

Meanwhile, a group of young people has arrived in town for a vacation, and they soon become the target of Brockton's primal instincts. Richard Crane plays reporter Cliff Spalding, who is on the case to find out what is causing the bizarre attacks. He teams up with Joyce Terry's character, Jean Trevethan, to get to the bottom of the mystery and stop the rampaging Neanderthal man before it's too late.

As Brockton's transformation progresses, he becomes increasingly violent and unpredictable. He stalks the streets at night, searching for his next victim, and eventually makes his way to the nearby woods, where he confronts Cliff and Jean in a tense final showdown.

The movie's special effects are impressive for the time and help to create an eerie atmosphere. The transformation sequence, in particular, is well done and still holds up today. The makeup and costume design for the Neanderthal man are also well executed, giving him a convincing, primal appearance.

The Neanderthal Man is not without its flaws, however. The acting can be a bit wooden at times, especially from some of the supporting characters. The pacing is also slow, especially in the first half of the movie, as it takes a while to get to the action. Additionally, the script can be a bit clunky, with some awkward dialogue and plot holes.

Despite these shortcomings, The Neanderthal Man is an entertaining and interesting movie that is worth watching for fans of classic science fiction. It captures the spirit of the era and offers a unique take on the classic man-turned-monster trope. While it is not a masterpiece, it is a fun and worthwhile addition to the genre.

The Neanderthal Man is a 1953 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.