Track of the Moon Beast

Plot

Professor 'Johnny Longbow' Salina, a renowned anthropologist and culinary expert known for his traditional stews, introduces his friend Paul Carlson to Kathy Nolan, a woman with a penchant for practical jokes. During a meteor shower, a small meteorite fragment strikes Paul in the head, embedding itself deep in his skull and triggering a terrifying transformation. Each night, Paul mutates into a giant reptilian monster driven by primal instincts, embarking on murderous rampages through the New Mexico countryside. Professor Salina discovers ancient Native American cave paintings that document a similar curse from centuries past, revealing this transformation is not unprecedented. Despite the horror of Paul's condition, Kathy remains devoted to him and desperately seeks a way to break the curse and save the man she loves before he becomes the monster permanently.

Historical Background

Track of the Moon Beast emerged during the mid-1970s, a period when low-budget horror and science fiction films flourished due to the success of movies like Jaws and The Exorcist. This era saw the rise of regional filmmaking, where independent producers would create genre films outside of Hollywood to capitalize on the drive-in theater market. The film also reflects the 1970s growing interest in Native American culture and spirituality, following the American Indian Movement's rise to prominence and increased public awareness of indigenous issues. The environmental movement of the 1970s also influenced the film's themes, particularly the idea of cosmic forces disrupting natural order. The film's release coincided with the bicentennial celebrations in America, a time when the nation was reflecting on its history and cultural heritage, making the Native American elements particularly relevant to contemporary audiences.

Making Of

The production of 'Track of the Moon Beast' was a典型的 example of 1970s regional filmmaking, where small crews would shoot quickly on location to minimize costs. Director Richard Ashe, a former television commercial director, assembled a mostly local crew from New Mexico. The monster transformation sequences were particularly challenging to film, requiring extensive makeup application that took up to four hours each day. Chase Cordell, who played Paul, reportedly suffered from heat exhaustion multiple times while wearing the monster suit in the New Mexico desert heat. The film's most memorable element, Professor Salina's stew, was actually prepared by a local caterer who specialized in Native American cuisine. The production team had to obtain special permits to film in Bandelier National Monument, and several scenes had to be rescheduled due to unexpected weather conditions. The film's score was composed by a local musician who used traditional Native American instruments mixed with electronic synthesizers to create an eerie atmosphere.

Visual Style

The cinematography, handled by veteran B-movie director of photography Robert Caramico, utilized the natural landscapes of New Mexico to create an atmospheric backdrop. The film employs extensive location shooting, taking advantage of the state's distinctive desert vistas and ancient pueblo ruins. The transformation sequences use a combination of makeup effects and creative camera work, including dissolves and quick cuts to suggest the metamorphosis. Night scenes are characterized by high-contrast lighting typical of 1970s horror films, with heavy use of shadows to conceal the monster suit's limitations. The film makes interesting use of the New Mexico sky during the meteor shower sequences, creating some genuinely beautiful imagery despite the film's low budget. The cave painting scenes are shot with a documentary-like realism, adding authenticity to the Native American elements.

Innovations

While not technically groundbreaking, Track of the Moon Beast did achieve some notable effects given its limited budget. The monster transformation sequences used a combination of practical makeup effects and clever editing techniques that were fairly sophisticated for a low-budget production. The meteorite impact scene employed a unique combination of practical effects and camera tricks to create the illusion of the fragment embedding in the character's skull. The film's use of actual New Mexico locations and Native American cultural sites provided an authentic backdrop that elevated it above typical studio-bound productions of the era. The sound design, particularly the creation of the monster's vocal effects, was innovative in its layering of multiple animal and human sounds.

Music

The film's score was composed by Jack Marshall, a television composer known for his work on The Munsters and other genre productions. The soundtrack blends traditional Native American musical elements, including flute melodies and tribal percussion, with 1970s electronic synthesizer music to create an eerie atmosphere. The main theme features a distinctive repetitive flute motif that recurs throughout the film, particularly during transformation sequences. The sound design emphasizes the monster's presence with deep, guttural roars and heavy footsteps. Notably, the film includes several scenes of traditional Native American chants and drumming, adding cultural authenticity to the proceedings. The soundtrack was never officially released as an album but has circulated among cult film enthusiasts for years.

Memorable Scenes

• The meteor shower sequence where Paul is struck by the fragment, featuring dramatic lighting and effective practical effects despite the low budget.
• The first transformation scene where Paul's skin begins to scale and his features change, using creative makeup and camera techniques.
• Professor Salina's detailed explanation of the stew recipe while discussing ancient Native American curses, perfectly encapsulating the film's odd tone.
• The discovery of the cave paintings showing the ancient moon beast legend, one of the film's most atmospheric sequences.
• The final confrontation where Kathy tries to reach the human side of the monster, combining horror and melodrama in classic 1970s fashion.

What Critics Said

Upon its initial release, Track of the Moon Beast received largely negative reviews from mainstream critics who criticized its low production values, wooden acting, and derivative plot. The New York Times dismissed it as 'yet another monster movie with little to distinguish it from countless others.' However, genre film magazines of the era, such as Fangoria and Famous Monsters of Filmland, gave it modest praise for its ambitious monster design and New Mexico locations. In retrospect, modern critics and film historians have reassessed the movie as a charming example of 1970s B-movie craftsmanship. After its MST3K appearance, critical opinion shifted to view the film more affectionately as an unintentional comedy. Contemporary reviews on genre websites often highlight its camp appeal and sincere execution despite its obvious limitations.

What Audiences Thought

Initial audience reception was lukewarm, with the film performing poorly in its limited theatrical run and quickly moving to the drive-in circuit where it found modest success. However, its reputation grew significantly over time, especially among bad movie aficionados. The MST3K episode featuring the film became one of the series' most popular, introducing it to a new generation of viewers who embraced its camp qualities. Modern audiences often seek out the film specifically for its so-bad-it's-good entertainment value. Fan conventions frequently include screenings, and the film maintains a steady presence on streaming platforms specializing in cult cinema. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to the film continue to celebrate its memorable moments, particularly any scene involving Professor Salina's stew.

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