The Valley of Gwangi (1969)

How can you create a film that appeals to the little boys (or indeed girls) in us all? Producer Charles Schneer had an idea: most kids love dinosaurs, and a large group of kids likes cowboys. Let's throw them together and see what happens!

The result is the highly underrated 'The Valley of Gwangi'.

The studio at the time had no confidence in this project and released it to little fanfare, ensuring that it would bomb. However, when television came along, this one enjoyed regular runs and thus gained its following, and rightly deserved.

In Mexico, at the turn of the 20th century, a travelling rodeoshow is in dire straits. They don't draw  crowds like they used to, as people are more and more bored with horseback stunts and the like. Yet, owner TJ Breckenridge discovers a bizarre little horse which she names 'El Diablo' and of which she believes will draw the crowds again. It is soon discovered that El Diablo is in fact an Eohippus, a primitive ancestor of current day horses. Turns out the little horse came from a mysterious valley from which no one returns. But when El Diablo 'escapes', TJ, her former partner Tuck and some other cowboys go after it, discovering a world where prehistoric creatures still roam. They also encounter the titular Gwangi, an Allosaurus (even though he looks a lot like a T Rex). Gwangi is captured and set on display. But will that be the end?

In a way, this story is reminiscent of 'King Kong' in many facets, except with more dinosaurs and cowboys. But the ending sequence will surely feel somewhat familiar. However, let that not detract from the sheer enjoyment this film has to offer. For starters, it has the wonderful stop motion-animation by legend Ray Harryhausen. If you have seen some of his work, you will know he imbues his characters with life and personality, and Gwangi is no different. Also, there are several scenes of interaction between the people and the dinosaurs that are still bloody impressive. The most famous, without a doubt, is the scene where the cowboys lasso Gwangi. It still looks great. Also, the battle between Gwangi and an elephant and Gwangi's subsequent rampage through the town and into the cathedral is nailbitingly tense.

Truth be told, the human characters are the least interesting part of this film. The professor is quirky British (sort of), there's a kid that fortunately isn't too annoying, a more or less love rival for Tuck in the form of Carlos and James Franciscus as Tuck makes a better appearance here than he does in 'Beneath the Planet of the Apes', where he was relegated to being a poor man's version of Charlton Heston. But in all fairness: you will not really care about the humans, yet all the more about Gwangi.

Poor thing. He just does what he does and gets harassed for it and released upon a world in which he has no place. The ending is once again rather tragic, almost a staple for films where monsters are poked and harassed and eventually escape.

Nevertheless, 'The Valley of Gwangi' is a great film and one you can safely watch with the kids, especially if they're into either cowboys or dinosaurs. Heck, if you're an adult with a penchant for either of those, you'll thoroughly enjoy this one too.