Released on a double-bill with RETURN OF THE FLY in 1959, THE ALLIGATOR PEOPLE has been roundly skewered for its preposterous story and laughable alligator man costume. There was plenty of other ridiculous drive-in horror and sci-fi fare during the period, but this film has a tendency to be called out on a regular basis.
What'll take your mind off the rubber suit is Beverly Garland, who made it through another sci-f/horror cheapie. Later, Miss Garland said, 'The hardest thing in that movie was simply to keep a straight face!"
Lon Chaney, Jr. (billed as Lon Chaney) is in this bayou bomb, too, cast as a crazed and out of control handyman. Considering his advancing alcoholism, it's probably safe to say it wasn't a hard part to play.
The Alligator Man himself was played by Bruce Bennett. It's hard to fathom that he stooped to this level after gaining notoriety in films like MILDRED PIERCE (1945) and THE TREASURE OF SIERRA MADRE (1948).
Roy Del Ruth was late into his career before he directed this film. At one time, he was the second-highest paid director in Hollywood with many successful dramas and musicals to his credit.
The screenplay was written by Orville H. Hampton, Charles O'Neal and an uncredited Robert M. Fresco. Hampton cranked out other B-move scripts and additional dialogue for ROCKET SHIP X-M, LOST CONTINENT, MESA OF LOST WOMEN and THE ATOMIC SUBMARINE.
Dick Smith and Ben Nye were the makeup artists (and I'm wondering how much input they had on the alligator costume). Bob Bryant was the stuntman. Bryant played the monster in CURSE OF THE FACELESS MAN (1958), and was dressed in another rubber suit that was obvious in a few scenes.
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THE ALLIGATOR PEOPLE Theatrical Trailer:
