Odd fusion of melodrama, tropical adventure and gigantic ants on the warpath has the flawless red-head Eleanor Parker brought to a remote South American plantation in an attempt to coax its virile yet painfully distant owner (Heston) out of his self imposed isolation and chastity. Parker tries hard, but Heston it seems has no compass for women, as he awkwardly insults and humiliates her with his brooding ignorance. But just as Parker packs up to leave, an army of "marabunta" (giant, marauding ants) converges on the plantation consuming all in its path. Heston must put aside his frigidity to save the woman for whom he's secretly enamoured, but too stubborn to admit.
William Conrad is well cast as Heston's only friend and connection to the outside world, frustrated by his reluctance to accept Parker, partly because she is a divorcée. Imposing John Dierkes also has a small but memorable supporting role as an opposing land owner with callous indifference for the welfare of his employees - a point with which Heston takes issue.
Although Heston is a bit wooden (to some extent defined by his character), Parker is given commanding dialogue and status considering the emphasis on her 'place' in the hierarchy. She has some sharp retorts to match Heston's chauvinism, and even manages to emasculate his ego on one occasion. While the pure action of gigantic killer ants obviously attracts most of the attention, director Haskin shows he can handle characters and drama effectively. If you were expecting a "Them!" type movie, you may be disappointed, but if you're open to idea of a southern-style romantic drama with giant ants as a side-dish, then you should be entertained.
William Conrad is well cast as Heston's only friend and connection to the outside world, frustrated by his reluctance to accept Parker, partly because she is a divorcée. Imposing John Dierkes also has a small but memorable supporting role as an opposing land owner with callous indifference for the welfare of his employees - a point with which Heston takes issue.
Although Heston is a bit wooden (to some extent defined by his character), Parker is given commanding dialogue and status considering the emphasis on her 'place' in the hierarchy. She has some sharp retorts to match Heston's chauvinism, and even manages to emasculate his ego on one occasion. While the pure action of gigantic killer ants obviously attracts most of the attention, director Haskin shows he can handle characters and drama effectively. If you were expecting a "Them!" type movie, you may be disappointed, but if you're open to idea of a southern-style romantic drama with giant ants as a side-dish, then you should be entertained.