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Fantasy Cult Classic

Unearthed bones spark a deadly encounter with ancient, winged terrors in the Southwestern desert.

GARGOYLES

Watch Out! The Gargoyles Are Here

1972 · 1h 14m · NR · Fantasy / Horror / TV Movie · IMDB TMDB

An anthropologist/paleontologist and his daughter, while travelling through the southwestern U.S., stumble upon a colony of living, breathing gargoyles.

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Quick Answer

What is Gargoyles about?

Gargoyles is a 1972 American fantasy-horror TV movie directed by Bill L. Norton about an anthropologist and his daughter who stumble upon a colony of living gargoyles in the Southwest.

Programmer's Pick

Monster suits, desert dust, and '70s TV pace—Gargoyles stands tall with practical effects and a genuine respect for creature mythology. Plus, who doesn't want to see Cornel Wilde go tête-à-tête with an ancient menace in a station wagon?

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Dr. Mercer Boley, a skeptical anthropologist, and his daughter Diana travel through New Mexico for research, only to encounter a bizarre skeleton of a horned, winged creature in a remote roadside museum. While the talkative proprietor weaves tales of demons rooted in American Indian legend, a mysterious and violent force destroys the museum, leaving the Boleys as the only survivors with a haunting artifact in their possession. As they seek help from the local police, the film sets up a tense collision of folklore, science, and monstrous reality in the arid American Southwest. Gargoyles builds its horror through atmosphere and myth, promising more than just regional tall tales.

Details & Specs

Director
Bill L. Norton
Writers
Elinor Karpf, Steven Karpf
Release
1972
Runtime
1h 14m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Fantasy, Horror, TV Movie

Cast & Crew

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Director: Bill L. Norton Writers: Elinor Karpf +1 more
Cornel Wilde Cornel Wilde Dr. Mercer Boley Jennifer Salt Jennifer Salt Diana Boley Grayson Hall Grayson Hall Mrs. Parks Bernie Casey Bernie Casey The Gargoyle Scott Glenn Scott Glenn James Reeger WS William Stevens Police Chief JG John Gruber Jesse Woody Chambliss Woody Chambliss Uncle Willie JC Jim Connell Buddy TB Timothy Burns Morris Day MA Mickey Alzola Gargoyle GW Greg Walker Gargoyle RA Rock A. Walker Gargoyle Vic Perrin Vic Perrin The Gargoyle (voice)

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Why Cult

Practical Monster Effects

From horned skulls to winged creatures, the film showcases elaborate monster designs and suit work typical of early '70s television horror.

Southwest Folklore

Mixing cryptozoology with American Indian legends, Gargoyles roots its horror in regional myths seldom explored on TV.

Unlikely Family Duo

An anthropologist and his daughter, both out of their element, anchor the story with a blend of skepticism and courage.

Arizona Desert Setting

The American Southwest's empty highways, desert museums, and lonely outposts provide a stark backdrop for this creature feature.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Discovery of a gargoyle skeleton

Threat

Colony of living gargoyles

Effect

Attacks and abductions; destruction of property

Setting

American Southwest desert

Questions from the Vault

When was Gargoyles released? +

Gargoyles was released in 1972.

Who directed Gargoyles? +

Bill L. Norton directed Gargoyles.

How long is Gargoyles? +

Gargoyles has a runtime of 74 minutes.

What genre is Gargoyles? +

Gargoyles is a fantasy-horror TV movie.

Trailers & Clips

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