It’s Alive (1974)

Directed by Larry Cohen. Starring John P. Ryan, Sharon Farrell, Guy Stockwell, Andrew Duggan, Michael Ansara, Shamus Locke, Robert Emhardt. [R]

Pregnant Farrell goes through one heck of a delivery, birthing a large, mutant baby weighing around a dozen pounds that immediately slaughters all medical staff in the delivery room and hightails it out of a broken skylight. Laughable thriller can’t be taken seriously, but is still marginally effective on its own terms; a serious-minded brand of kitsch that cynically accosts the leprous personas of Ma & Pop while letting a tiny squalling monster rampage through doctors, cops, milkmen and neighbors. Atmospheric chills are smartly employed, and director Cohen doesn’t cheapen the jump scares with loud soundtrack stings or frenzied camera tricks. Although the baby is wisely not shown in the early-going to build a little suspense, when it finally is (erratically) spotted, it’s far too crude and unconvincing (the typically reliable Rick Baker was in charge of the effects, but it was either too early in his career or the budget was too slim). Another film business great, Bernard Herrmann, composed the musical score. Followed by two sequels and a 2009 remake.

59/100