Night of the Lepus
Night of the Lepus

Movie spotlight

Night of the Lepus

1972
Movie
88 min
English

Rancher Cole Hillman is fed up of rabbits plaguing his fields. Zoologist Roy Bennett conducts an experiment to curb their population, but it gives rise to giant rabbits that terrorise the town.

Insights

IMDb4.5/10
Director: Don TaylorGenres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Plot Summary

Aides in the control of a town overrun by killer rabbits, a química engineer (Stuart Whitman) must combat the oversized, predatory lagomorphs that are genetically engineered to grow to enormous sizes. The scientist is aided by a local sheriff (DeForest Kelley) and a rancher (Rory Calhoun) whose daughter is in danger. The creatures are sensitive to sound and light, which becomes a key element in the battle for survival.

Critical Reception

Night of the Lepus is widely considered one of the worst films ever made, primarily due to its absurd premise and unconvincing special effects. Despite a cast of generally competent actors, the film failed to find an audience or critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a cult classic for its sheer ineptitude.

What Reviewers Say

  • The central concept of giant, killer rabbits is inherently laughable.

  • The special effects are notoriously poor, detracting from any intended scares.

  • The film is a prime example of a B-movie gone wrong, often cited for its lack of tension and unintentional humor.

Google audience: Audience reviews are largely dismissive, with many viewers finding the premise too ridiculous to take seriously and the execution lacking any genuine horror or suspense. It is frequently discussed as a 'so bad it's good' film.

Fun Fact

The 'giant' rabbits in the film were portrayed by actual rabbits that were filmed in forced perspective or had their size enhanced through miniature sets and other practical effects, contributing to the film's unintentional comedic effect.

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