When a monstrous alligator awakens, a luxury resort becomes a deadly hunting ground.
THE GREAT ALLIGATOR
A tourist resort in Africa finds itself at the mercy of a huge man-eating crocodile from a local native legend which the croc is the incarnation of a native god angered by the intrusion of the tourists on its nesting ground.
Quick Answer
The Great Alligator is a 1979 Italian horror film directed by Sergio Martino about a tourist resort in Africa terrorized by a gigantic man-eating crocodile believed to be the incarnation of an angered native god.
Programmer's Pick
Leave your vacation plans at home—Sergio Martino turns an idyllic resort into a buffet for a reptilian deity. Between the oversized jaws, tribal showdowns, and a dash of Italian exploitation flair, this croc has more bite than most kaiju wannabes.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Overview
Details & Specs
- Director
- Sergio Martino
- Writers
- Ernesto Gastaldi, George Eastman, Cesare Frugoni, Sergio Martino, Mara Maryl
- Release
- 1979
- Runtime
- 1h 29m
- Country
- Italy
- Language
- Italian
- Genres
- Horror
- Also Known As
- The Alligator, The Big Alligator River, Die heilige Bestie der Kumas
Why This Matters
Directed by Sergio Martino, this 1979 Italian adventure film reflects the era's fascination with nature-run-amok stories and features an African God manifesting as a giant crocodile in response to tourist encroachment, highlighting themes of colonialism and environmental retribution.
Cast & Crew
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Why Cult
A massive man-eating crocodile, rumored to be a vengeful native god, takes center stage and leaves no tourist unscathed.
Helmed by Sergio Martino, the film delivers all the hallmarks of Italian exploitation: provocative content, pulpy atmosphere, and inventive set pieces.
A supposedly safe African holiday spot is transformed into a deadly trap, with tourists caught between a monstrous threat in the water and hostile villagers on land.
The film weaves local mythology into its horror, turning a crocodile attack into a clash between superstition, survival, and modern tourism.
Scene Gallery
Threat File
Tourists intrude on native nesting ground
Giant man-eating crocodile (native god incarnation)
Kills and eats resort guests and locals
African tourist resort and surrounding river
Questions from the Vault
When was The Great Alligator released? +
The Great Alligator was released in 1979.
Who directed The Great Alligator? +
The Great Alligator was directed by Sergio Martino.
How long is The Great Alligator? +
The Great Alligator has a runtime of 89 minutes.
What genre is The Great Alligator? +
The Great Alligator is a horror film.
Where can I watch The Great Alligator? +
The Great Alligator is available to stream on SassyFlix.
Trailers & Clips
