When asking people if they heard of the movie, SSSSS, I always get a pause with a look of confusion. After explaining to them that this is the title of this stupid movie, I then have the obligation of explaining this absurd plot that could have only crept out of the mind of some geek with deranged fantasies. Dr. Stoner is a mad scientist with a very twisted view on humanity. He believes mankind is too barbaric and that transforming them into snakes is the answer to our world problems. WTF! So how does he know that these snakes with human intelligence won't repeat the same mistakes as normal humans? This is a very poorly thought-out idea. And if that isn't enough, we are faced with cliche characters: the stereotypical Jock meathead, the nerdy and sweet daughter of the crazy scientist and other cardboard characters. David is the subject and victim who barely shows any consternation about undergoing this demonic experiment until it's too late.
To it's credit, SSSSS uses real live pythons, boas and cobras which were imported from the far east. A cool scene featuring the laboratory venom extraction is shown. This is also probably the first movie to utilize snakes in a horror movie plot device. The special effects are also fairly decent for early 1970's standards. But the whole idea of this story is just too weird and ridiculous. Even if it were possible to transform people into snakes, why the hell would you want to. SSSSS relies on some chilling visuals of real life amputees who portray victims of Dr. Stoner's ongoing experiments. The makeup is effective, but they really don't look snakelike. They look more like a cross between an alien and an iguana. Snakes have wide set eyes planted on the sides of their heads. The prosthetic makeup and latex couldn't achieve this effect. SSSSS is fairly involving depending on your level of credulity. But if you want to get some retro creeps from the 1970's with some laughable acting and corny acting, SSSSS is worth a look.
To it's credit, SSSSS uses real live pythons, boas and cobras which were imported from the far east. A cool scene featuring the laboratory venom extraction is shown. This is also probably the first movie to utilize snakes in a horror movie plot device. The special effects are also fairly decent for early 1970's standards. But the whole idea of this story is just too weird and ridiculous. Even if it were possible to transform people into snakes, why the hell would you want to. SSSSS relies on some chilling visuals of real life amputees who portray victims of Dr. Stoner's ongoing experiments. The makeup is effective, but they really don't look snakelike. They look more like a cross between an alien and an iguana. Snakes have wide set eyes planted on the sides of their heads. The prosthetic makeup and latex couldn't achieve this effect. SSSSS is fairly involving depending on your level of credulity. But if you want to get some retro creeps from the 1970's with some laughable acting and corny acting, SSSSS is worth a look.