When The Creature FTBL came out it was a period in my life when going to the movies on Saturday afternoon was a favorite American pastime. It was affordable, safe and pleasurable and the plots ended with the "good guys" winning.

Movies like The Creature From the Black Lagoon had elements of the 19th century melodramas with the audience drawn in by the action; in particular when the creature's claws got close to the heroine when she is unaware of his presence swimming below her or sneaking up behind her. The girls in the theater would especially let their emotions fly. But that sort of emotional display was all part of going to a scary "movie."

When the movie ended it was nice to step outside into a sunny day with that feeling of being safe from the claws of the Creature! You would wonder as you walked home after having your wits frightened off you if you could be brave like Julie Adams and swim in the same waters as swam the Creature From the Black Lagoon?