A groovy California partying crowd led by Beau Bridges (as Fred) crashes their car in a rainstorm. They turn up the radio, drink beer, and dance in the downpour. Then, they walk to nearby "Hainesville" for kicks. In the small town (containing no parents), Tommy Kirk (as Mike) is smooching with his girlfriend while her little brother Ronny Howard (as Genius) works in the basement accidentally mixing a "Goo" which makes you grow BIG. The family cat gets into the "Goo" and grows.
Then, they give it to a couple of ducks, who become giant ducks, and quack up the local dance club...
Meanwhile, Mr. Bridges' gang from the opening scene has arrived in time for a feast of giant duck meat. Then, they eat "Goo" and pop out of their clothes. Setting up shop in the local theater, Bridges and the gang decide to take over the town and make Mr. Kirk, his gum-chewing ex-"Mouseketeer" pal Johnny Crawford (as Horsey) and their friends servants. Kirk must save the town from the giant youth. Up for the task, Kirk turns out to be a resourceful and determined leader.
The songs are pleasantly representative of the recording artists. Freddy Cannon ("Little Bitty Corrine") and Mike Clifford ("Marianne") were at the end of their record careers. The Beau Brummels ("Woman" / "When it Comes to Your Love") were very popular in 1965, but none of the soundtrack songs hit. There were singers in the cast who do not perform; the biggest hits of two - Johnny Crawford with "Cindy's Birthday" (1962) and Toni Basil with "Mickey" (1982) - span 20 years.
"Village of the Giants" easily qualifies as "so bad it's good," and you may want to see it again immediately.
Obviously a youth exploitation film for the time, it's like a Disney film with a dose of sex appeal. Everyone looks good, with bosomy Joy Harmon (as Merrie) most prominently going to the head of the pack; representative of cheap sexploitation is the scene with Mr. Crawford hanging onto her giant breasts. Most in the cast have family members who are also known; most recognizable (in my viewing) were Mickey's son Tim Rooney (as Pete) and Ryan's brother Kevin O'Neil (as Harry).
***** Village of the Giants (10/20/65) Bert I. Gordon ~ Tommy Kirk, Beau Bridges, Johnny Crawford, Ron Howard
Then, they give it to a couple of ducks, who become giant ducks, and quack up the local dance club...
Meanwhile, Mr. Bridges' gang from the opening scene has arrived in time for a feast of giant duck meat. Then, they eat "Goo" and pop out of their clothes. Setting up shop in the local theater, Bridges and the gang decide to take over the town and make Mr. Kirk, his gum-chewing ex-"Mouseketeer" pal Johnny Crawford (as Horsey) and their friends servants. Kirk must save the town from the giant youth. Up for the task, Kirk turns out to be a resourceful and determined leader.
The songs are pleasantly representative of the recording artists. Freddy Cannon ("Little Bitty Corrine") and Mike Clifford ("Marianne") were at the end of their record careers. The Beau Brummels ("Woman" / "When it Comes to Your Love") were very popular in 1965, but none of the soundtrack songs hit. There were singers in the cast who do not perform; the biggest hits of two - Johnny Crawford with "Cindy's Birthday" (1962) and Toni Basil with "Mickey" (1982) - span 20 years.
"Village of the Giants" easily qualifies as "so bad it's good," and you may want to see it again immediately.
Obviously a youth exploitation film for the time, it's like a Disney film with a dose of sex appeal. Everyone looks good, with bosomy Joy Harmon (as Merrie) most prominently going to the head of the pack; representative of cheap sexploitation is the scene with Mr. Crawford hanging onto her giant breasts. Most in the cast have family members who are also known; most recognizable (in my viewing) were Mickey's son Tim Rooney (as Pete) and Ryan's brother Kevin O'Neil (as Harry).
***** Village of the Giants (10/20/65) Bert I. Gordon ~ Tommy Kirk, Beau Bridges, Johnny Crawford, Ron Howard