As someone who travels to Copenhagen often, I was pleased to discover a science fiction gem set in that city. For decades Denmark has been known for producing excellent films for both the big screen and television. However, the beautiful nation is not known for producing monster movies. “Reptilicus “is an exception. The 1961 production is in color and provides a wonderful panorama of Denmark’s capital city. Many of the filming locations remain essentially the same today as they were 65 years ago.
The joint Danish & American film is technically two films. Rather than being subtitled, actors were swapped out when one of them could not speak English and replaced with a Danish speaker in the Danish version. There are some different scenes in the respective productions as well.
The film uses a tried -and true science fiction plot. Frozen remains of an ancient creature are dug up in the Finnish tundra and shipped to Copenhagen for study. We all know nothing good happens when such finds thaw out in the movie world. The dragon-like creature had the ability to replace much of its lost body in the similar way a starfish can reproduce a lost limb. It of course must try to destroy the city. However, prior to the ensuing mayhem, the movie provides a delightful musical performance of “Tivoli Nights” by Danish pop star Birthe Wilke. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCiY-hB8_OQ
The viewer must be mindful that the special effects are the product of 1961 and thus the buildings destroyed are clearly constructed out of papier-mache. A kid actor slipping up and laughing when he is supposed to be terrified is what is to be expected in a low budget film. It just adds to the entertainment value.
Fighting to save mankind are a brilliant professor who has two attractive daughters plus a slew of defenders from both the American & Danish armies. As we are still here, one can conclude that the good guys won. But the ending also keeps the door open for Reptilicus to return! Perhaps it is time for a remake or a sequel.
If you like campy science fiction films from that era, this film is for you. It is just pure entertainment not to be taken too seriously. No doubt it was shown at its share of drive- in movie theatres back in the day. What I like most about the film is seeing how Copenhagen and its residents looked in 1961. The last time I was there my hotel was located very near one of the bridges featured in the film and it remains essentially unchanged.
The film can be found from time to time on different streaming services.
A trailer for the movie can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUJW7BubKL4
