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Horror Cult Classic

A radioactive sea monster surfaces to snack on Venice Beach’s weirdest residents.

SPAWN OF THE SLITHIS

Hell hath no fury... like Slithis

1978 · 1h 26m · PG · Horror / Science Fiction · IMDB TMDB

A nuclear leak creates a mutant Slithis sea monster, which terrorizes the variety of pets, winos, and hippies who hang around Venice, California.

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Quick Answer

What is Spawn of the Slithis about?

Spawn of the Slithis is a 1978 American horror and science fiction film directed by Stephen Traxler about a mutant sea monster born from a nuclear leak that terrorizes Venice, California.

Programmer's Pick

Proof that nuclear waste and Venice Beach make a mess even the most resilient hippie can’t handle. 'Spawn of the Slithis' is pure creature-feature fun—mud, blood, and a monster straight from the psychotronic deep.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

When a nuclear leak seeps into the waters off Venice, California, it doesn’t just pollute—it creates a monstrous aquatic mutant known as Slithis. This creature feature takes viewers into the heart of a quirky coastal community where pets, winos, and hippies become the unexpected prey of a radioactive man-eater. With its low-budget, psychotronic energy, the film revels in its blend of horror and science fiction, pitting everyday locals and eccentric scientists against a threat that literally crawled out of environmental disaster. Expect blood, mud, and a gleefully independent spirit as Slithis brings chaos to the California shore.

Details & Specs

Director
Stephen Traxler
Writer
Stephen Traxler
Release
1978
Runtime
1h 26m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Horror, Science Fiction
Also Known As
Slithis

Cast & Crew

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Director: Stephen Traxler Writer: Stephen Traxler
AB Alan Blanchard Wayne Connors JM Judy Motulsky Jeff Connors JC J.C. Claire Dr. Erin Burick DF Dennis Falt Dr. John MA Mello Alexandria Chris Alexander WC Win Condict The Monster RF Rocky Fumarelli Preston, wino #1 JH John Hatfield Bunky, wino #2 Hy Pyke Hy Pyke Jack Dunn DC Daphnae Cohen Helen Dunn SJ Steven J. Hoag Doug WR Wendy Rastattar Jennifer DC Don Cummins Rex DC Dave Carlton Drunk #1 DC Dale Caldwell Drunk #2 KS Ken Stimson Drunk #3 DR David Ridenour Policeman at house GC Gregory Clemmons Chris' Uncle EF Ed Fournier Kid throwing frisbee #1 PB Prudie Butler Kid throwing frisbee #2 Jack Kelly Jack Kelly Radio Announcer (voice) AV Alejandro Voss Police Chief Bill J. Stevens Bill J. Stevens Dr. Risling (uncredited) Marc Harvey Marc Harvey Nicholas, deck hand #2 (as Marcus Harvey)

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Why Cult

Radioactive Monster Mayhem

A nuclear leak spawns a mutant aquatic humanoid, making Venice Beach ground zero for slime-soaked terror.

Creature Feature Roots

Fans of classic creature features will appreciate a sea monster that’s as messy as it is menacing.

Psychotronic Beach Culture

Set among Venice’s winos, hippies, and oddballs, this film captures the offbeat spirit of late-70s California.

Independent Low-Budget Charm

You’ll find no Hollywood gloss here—just inventive effects, earnest performances, and plenty of mud.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

nuclear leak

Threat

mutant Slithis sea monster

Effect

terrorizes pets, winos, and hippies in Venice, California

Setting

Venice, California

Questions from the Vault

When was Spawn of the Slithis released? +

Spawn of the Slithis was released in 1978.

Who directed Spawn of the Slithis? +

Spawn of the Slithis was directed by Stephen Traxler.

How long is Spawn of the Slithis? +

Spawn of the Slithis has a runtime of 86 minutes.

What genre is Spawn of the Slithis? +

Spawn of the Slithis is a horror and science fiction film.

Trailers & Clips

Spawn of the Slithis trailer
Official Trailer
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