Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (1958)

Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (Dir: Nathan Hertz, 1958). 

Proto-feminist text or trash classic? As much as some film historians claim it’s the former, I think sci-fi/horror Attack of the 50 Foot Woman is probably the later. 

The previous year Universal hit big with seminal sci-fi shocker The Incredible Shrinking Man (Jack Arnold, 1957); independent producer Bernard Woolner was quick to spot a spot a bandwagon and promptly jumped aboard, flipping that movies concept for one of a giant woman! In the process delivering a cheap and cheerful exploitation film aimed squarely at the drive-in, double feature market.  

After arguing with her two-timing husband, heiress and owner of the world's most expensive diamond Nancy Archer (Alison Hayes) has a run in with an extra-terrestrial satellite, inexplicably inhabited by a 30 foot bald-headed behemoth (Michael Ross, doubling as Tony the bartender). Radiation exposure results in Nancy growing to a whopping 50 feet in height. Meanwhile husband Harry (William Hudson) takes the opportunity to steal her diamond and ensconce with fancy-lady Honey (Yvette Vickers). Soon the police are on their tail as, more worryingly, is Nancy who wants her diamond and her man back!

Cheap and cheerful The Attack of the 50 Foot Woman may be, but it isn't without a peculiar charm. The special effects are naive, to put it politely. From see through process shots to large papier-mâché limbs, budget restrictions are glaringly obvious, yet this all adds to the fun.

 

It is helped immeasurably by a game cast who play the whole thing absolutely straight, with performances that are not at all bad considering the schlocky nature of the material. Working under the pseudonym of Nathan Hertz is talented director Nathan Juran, perhaps understandably not wanting his name on an end product hampered by a minuscule budget. Yet, within the obvious monetary restraints, he delivers a tightly plotted, well paced and highly enjoyable movie. 

Those expecting a gal Godzilla maybe disappointed. The rampaging is saved for the final moments, while the publicity image of a mini-skirted, enormous Nancy straddling the highway and picking up cars like Tonka toys is sadly not recreated in the feature. Yet there is still much to enjoy in this movie which has deservedly become a cult favourite.

It is fair to suggest that a larger budget and more convincing special effects would have made Attack of the 50 Foot Woman a slicker, more professional movie. But in all honesty I don’t think it would have made a more entertaining one. 

Rather than the adequate, serious shocker it may have been, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman is a campy cinematic treat! A drive-in classic and a lot of fun!