Shrews. Both films were feted as the first feature films shot in and produced in Dallas, and the first movies to premiere as double features. Unlike most double features released in the South, these films received national and even foreign distribution. In exchange for doing the special effects, Kellogg was allowed to direct the film. Curtis allowed Sullivan to pick the songs with the teenage market in mind. Knox, who played Horatio Alger "Steamroller" Smith, was an actual disc jockey working at radio stations in Texas owned by McLendon. The "Gila monster" in the movie is actually a Mexican beaded lizard. Reception On his website Fantastic Movie Musings and Ramblings Dave Sindelar gave the film a positive review, writing, "Whatever flaws there are with the story, I find myself drawn to the regional feel of the movie, and especially to the likable characters that inhabit this environment...It's rare for a movie to have this many likable characters, and I think the reason I watch the movie again and again is because I just like to spend time with them". TV Guide gave the film 2 out of 5 stars, calling it "a rear-projected monster just doesn't put audiences in a deep state of fear, especially when it's a lizard. It does, however, induce occasional uncontrolled laughter". Alan Jones from Radio Times awarded the film 1 out of 5 stars, calling it "unintentionally amusing rather than scary". References in popular culture The film was featured on a season 5 episode of Cinema Insomnia and season 4 of Mystery Science Theater 3000. A giant Gila monster briefly appears in the Godzilla: The Series episode "Freak Show". Remake A made-for-TV remake, Gila!, directed by Jim Wynorski, was released in 2012. See also List of films in the public domain in the United States References External links 1959 films American black-and-white films American monster movies American science fiction horror films Films about lizards Films scored by Jack Marshall Giant monster films 1959 horror films 1950s science fiction horror films 1950s monster movies 1959 directorial debut films 1950s English-language films 1950s American films