CALTIKI, THE IMMORTAL MONSTER

In Mexico, a group of scientists led by Dr. Filding are investigating the disappearance of the Maya civilization; upon arriving at some caves where a high level of radioactivity is recorded, they find the temple of the God Caltiki, guarded by a hideous gelatinous monster that devoured anyone who tried to violate the place. When one of the researchers approaches and is injured, a violent mutation is triggered in him that will lead him to massacre the other members of the crew. Fielding and another doctor, meanwhile, investigate the fact. Good fanta-horror, conceived right after "The Vampires" by the strange duo Freda (director) and Bava (officially director of photography and special effects, on this occasion with the pseudonym Marie Foam) who choose to set in Mexico a story of space terror with Lovecraftian echoes and an excellent set. The "special effects" section goes badly where between tank models and papier-mâché one does not understand anymore, on the other hand, the good artistic cast is noticed, very credible: John Merivale, Didi Sullivan (Didi Perego, really uncomfortable), Gérard Herter and the handsome Giacomo Rossi-Stuart. Curiosity: the immortal monster was actually common tripe for butchery, by force of using the same one, this went to putrefaction and sent half the crew to the hospital for poisoning. To be seen for lovers of Italian fanta-horror in the style of Margheriti.