An anthropologist and author (Cornel Wilde) who debunks supernatural myths and legends finds himself in possession of the remains of a gargoyle. Unfortunately for him, the other gargoyles don't take kindly to this. So they kidnap his daughter (Jennifer Salt) and take her back to their lair, where we learn all about the history and life of gargoyles.
Man, TV movies in the '70s were so cool. These days it seems like it's just clichéd romantic dramedies or murder mysteries, plus that garbage they make for SyFy. Back in the day, though, TV movies were actually quality with fresh ideas. The whole concept is very interesting and, with a real budget, this could have been released theatrically. Former movie star Cornel Wilde is in his twilight years here but does a good job. The very attractive Jennifer Salt provides nice eye candy and gets the majority of the screen time with the gargoyles. Early role for Scott Glenn as a dirt bike punk. Speaking of which, watch carefully for the scene where the cop backs his car up quickly to go chase after the dirt bike punks. The car comes within inches of hitting an obviously startled Jennifer Salt.
Notable for being the first movie for make-up and special effects great, Stan Winston. The costumes and makeup used for the gargoyles here is pretty cool and fun. Yeah, you can tell they are costumes but given the obvious budgetary restrictions of a made-for-TV movie in 1972, I think they're damn impressive. I have a lot more respect for the craftsmanship that went into this than most of what you will see today in low budget movies with shitty cartoonish CGI.
Man, TV movies in the '70s were so cool. These days it seems like it's just clichéd romantic dramedies or murder mysteries, plus that garbage they make for SyFy. Back in the day, though, TV movies were actually quality with fresh ideas. The whole concept is very interesting and, with a real budget, this could have been released theatrically. Former movie star Cornel Wilde is in his twilight years here but does a good job. The very attractive Jennifer Salt provides nice eye candy and gets the majority of the screen time with the gargoyles. Early role for Scott Glenn as a dirt bike punk. Speaking of which, watch carefully for the scene where the cop backs his car up quickly to go chase after the dirt bike punks. The car comes within inches of hitting an obviously startled Jennifer Salt.
Notable for being the first movie for make-up and special effects great, Stan Winston. The costumes and makeup used for the gargoyles here is pretty cool and fun. Yeah, you can tell they are costumes but given the obvious budgetary restrictions of a made-for-TV movie in 1972, I think they're damn impressive. I have a lot more respect for the craftsmanship that went into this than most of what you will see today in low budget movies with shitty cartoonish CGI.