Robert Pine, born in 1941, has made a significant impact on television and film. In Empire of the Ants (1977), he navigates a world overrun by colossal insects, bringing a unique presence to this cult classic. Known for his extensive television career, including his role as Sgt. Joseph Getraer, Pine's transition to film highlights his versatility and depth as an actor. His work in Empire of the Ants exemplifies the blend of camp and horror that defines much of the genre.
Empire of the Ants
A heavenly paradise becomes a hellish nightmare when a toxic spill turns harmless ants into gigantic rampaging monsters. The opening narration briefly introduces the viewer to the ant and its behavior. It takes note how ants use pheromones to communicate, and how they cause an obligatory response that must be obeyed. "But we (humans) don't have to worry about it..." As the opening credits roll, barrels of radioactive waste are being dumped off a boat into the ocean. Eventually, one of the barrels washes up on the shore and begins to leak a silvery goo attractive to the local ants, which are seen feeding on it. Meanwhile, shady land developer Marilyn Fryser (Joan Collins) takes a bunch of new clients to view some 'beachfront property' on a nearby island. In reality, the land is worthless, but the trip is cut short by the group stumbling upon the lair of large ants. The ants destroy their boat and chase the group through the woods. Fleeing for their lives through the wilderness and losing many of their party along the way, the remaining survivors eventually discover the local island town. But their safety is short-lived when they realize that not only are the large ants feeding on the sugar at the local sugar factory, but that they are doing so at the invitation of the humans. The queen ant, using pheromones, has the entire town completely under her control. However, the survivors manage to escape and burn the sugar factory, killing the large ants, and leave the island by a speedboat.
