Is 'The Blob' Based on a True Story? The Blob Cast, Plot, and More
by Preethi
Updated Aug 21, 2023
The Blob
"The Blob" is a classic 1958 American independent science fiction horror film that has left an indelible mark on the genre. Directed by Irvin Yeaworth and brought to life through the collaborative efforts of writers Kay Linaker and Theodore Simonson, the film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Steve McQueen, alongside Aneta Corsaut, Earl Rowe, and Olin Howland. Paramount Pictures distributed this thrilling cinematic creation.
Set against the backdrop of small communities, specifically Phoenixville and Downingtown in Pennsylvania, "The Blob" unleashes a gripping tale centered around an extraterrestrial entity. A carnivorous amoeboidal alien emerges from outer space concealed within a meteorite. Crashing onto Earth's surface, the alien presence brings with it a sinister menace that sparks a series of alarming events. The creature's remarkable ability to envelop and consume living beings sets the stage for mounting terror. As it absorbs its victims, the alien entity undergoes a terrifying transformation – growing larger, its color deepening into an ominous red hue, and its aggression intensifying. The escalating threat reaches a chilling climax as the alien entity expands to a colossal size, towering over buildings and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
"The Blob" taps into primal fears of the unknown, playing on the idea of an unstoppable force of nature that devours everything in its path. With Steve McQueen's magnetic performance and a suspenseful narrative, the film solidified its place in pop culture history as an emblem of classic science fiction horror. The creature's relentless and unexplained nature, combined with its ever-expanding menace, leaves viewers with a lingering sense of dread, illustrating the age-old fear of an implacable and incomprehensible terror descending upon an unsuspecting world.
Is 'The Blob' Based on a True Story?
No, The filmmakers haven't confirmed this as a true story. The 1958 film "The Blob," featuring a ravenous alien blob, might have taken inspiration from real stories like slime falling from the sky and events like the London Beer Flood and Great Molasses Flood. However, nobody haven't confirmed these connections.
“The Blob," a 1958 science fiction horror film directed by Irvin Yeaworth, has captivated audiences for decades with its tale of an alien amoeboidal entity wreaking havoc on Earth. While not directly based on a true story, the film's inspiration can be traced back to some remarkable events that blur the lines between reality and science fiction. The headline of the Philadelphia Inquirer on September 27th, 1950, recounted an incident that could have influenced the film's concept. Veteran police officers Joe Keenan and John Collins in Philadelphia reported seeing a strange object falling from the sky during their patrol. They tracked the object to a street corner and discovered a large, pulsating, and glittery entity resembling a "purple jelly." This inexplicable phenomenon, witnessed by four credible officers, bears a striking resemblance to the alien menace depicted in the film.
While the connection between the real-life event and "The Blob" is not definitively confirmed, the proximity of the incident to the film's production in Pennsylvania, along with the local origins of many involved in the movie's creation, suggests a potential influence. Moreover, similar reports of "star-slimes" or "earth-stars" have been recounted across different times and locations, adding an air of mystery to these unexplained phenomena. Instances like the "Great Molasses Flood" in Boston in 1919 and other strange occurrences with otherworldly substances further contribute to the film's broader context.
The enduring legacy of "The Blob" is a testament to its ability to tap into the fascination humans hold for the unknown and the mysterious. The film's depiction of an extraterrestrial entity growing uncontrollably, consuming everything in its path, resonates with primal fears and the fear of the incomprehensible. Whether inspired by a singular event or drawing inspiration from a tapestry of strange happenings, "The Blob" serves as a bridge between reality and fiction, inviting audiences to ponder the boundaries of our understanding and the forces that might exist beyond our world.
The Blob Plot
"The Blob" unfolds in a quiet Pennsylvania town, where Steve Andrews and Jane Martin witness a meteorite crash. As they investigate, an elderly man, Barney, inadvertently unleashes a gelatinous blob that attaches itself to him. The blob engulfs and absorbs several people, growing larger and redder each time. Steve and Jane struggle to convince others of the threat, and as the blob consumes more victims, chaos ensues.
Despite their efforts, disbelief persists among the townspeople. The blob infiltrates a theater and engulfs the projectionist, causing panic among the audience. Steve, Jane, and others take refuge in a diner, only to have the blob engulf the building. Authorities attempt to destroy it with electricity but fail. Steve discovers the blob's vulnerability to cold, and with the help of his friends, they freeze the creature using fire extinguishers.
Realizing that the blob can survive cold temperatures, authorities plan to transport it to the Arctic. The film ends with the blob frozen on a pallet, suspended from parachutes, as it's dropped into the Arctic. The words "The End" transition into a question mark, hinting at the uncertainty of whether the threat has truly been eliminated.
The Blob Cast
Steve McQueen
Steve Andrews
Aneta Corsaut
Jane Martin
Earl Rowe
Lt. Dave Barton
Olin Howland
Barney, the Old Man [Note 1]
Stephen Chase
Dr. T. Hallen
John Benson
Sgt. Jim Bert
George Karas
Officer Ritchie
Lee Payton
Kate, nurse
Elbert Smith
Henry Martin
Hugh Graham
Mr. Andrews
Vince Barbi
George, cafe owner
Audrey Metcalf
Elizabeth Martin
Jasper Deeter
Civil defense volunteer
Tom Ogden
Fire Chief
Elinor Hammer
Mrs. Porter
Ralph Roseman
Blob victim working on car
Charlie Overdorff
Marty
David Matcalf
Drunk at door
Julie Cousins
Sally, Waitress
Keith Almoney
Danny Martin
Eugene Sabel
Movie Theater Projectionist
Russ Conway
Boy Running Out of Theater
Howard Fishlove
Man Running Out of Theater
Jack H. Harris
Man Running Out of Theater
Vincent Mastrangelo
Movie Theater Patron
Theodore Simonson
Red Sweater Moviegoer
Robert Fields
Tony Gressette
James Bonnett
"Mooch" Miller
Anthony Franke
Al
Pamela Curran
Smooching teenager
Josh Randolf
Teenager
Molly Ann Bourne
Teenager
Diane Tabben
Teenager
Cast
Character
The Blob Trailer
The Blob Release Date
"The Blob," a gripping tale of a misunderstood teen's battle against a gelatinous space monster, was released in the United States on September 12, 1958. The film, directed by Irvin Yeaworth and Russell Doughten, follows a young protagonist as he endeavors to protect his town from the extraterrestrial menace. The remake of this movie was released on August 5,1988 as The Blob (1988).
The movie's intriguing narrative, inspired by a story by Irving H. Millgate, captured the audience's imagination upon its release. Distributed by Criterion and Paramount Pictures, "The Blob" ventured into the realm of science fiction horror, captivating viewers with its suspenseful plot and innovative effects for its time.
Where to Watch The Blob Online?
As of now, you can enjoy the movie "The Blob" through various online platforms. It is available for streaming on the Max Amazon Channel, Max, and the Criterion Channel. If you're looking for a free option, you can watch it with ads on Tubi TV.
Additionally, if you prefer renting or downloading, "The Blob" can be rented on Apple TV and Amazon Video, and you can also download it from these platforms for later viewing. These options provide convenient ways to experience the thrilling science fiction horror of "The Blob" from the comfort of your own screen.
Is 'The Blob' Based on a True Story- FAQs
"The Blob" is a 1958 science fiction horror film where a gelatinous alien entity from space engulfs and consumes living beings, growing larger and more dangerous.
While not confirmed, the film draws inspiration from real events like strange substances falling from the sky, the "Great Molasses Flood," and a Philadelphia incident involving a mysterious pulsating entity.
The film features Steve McQueen as Steve Andrews and Aneta Corsaut as Jane Martin, among others.
"The Blob" follows Steve and Jane in a small town as they confront a growing alien blob that consumes people. They struggle to convince others of the threat and eventually freeze the blob to save the town.
You can stream "The Blob" on the Max Amazon Channel, Max, and the Criterion Channel. It's also available with ads on Tubi TV. Renting and downloading options are offered on Apple TV and Amazon Video.