Gargoyles (Horror, 1972)

Gargoyles is a made-for-TV horror film with elements of fantasy and suspense. It blends classic creature-feature tropes with a modern (for the 1970s) ecological and anthropological twist, making it a standout in the TV movie horror subgenre of the era.
The story follows Dr. Mercer Boley (Cornel Wilde), an anthropologist, and his daughter Diana (Jennifer Salt), who are traveling through the American Southwest to research his latest book on ancient myths and demonology. They stumble upon a roadside attraction run by an old man named Uncle Willie (Woody Chambliss), who shows them a skeleton he claims is a gargoyle—an ancient, demonic creature. Initially skeptical, Dr. Boley becomes intrigued when Uncle Willie’s shack mysteriously burns down that night, killing him and destroying the skeleton.
Soon after, the Boleys are attacked by living gargoyles—winged, reptilian humanoids with horns and claws—at their motel. They manage to kill one and escape with its body, drawing the attention of local police and a biker gang led by James Reeger (Scott Glenn). As the gargoyles escalate their attacks, it’s revealed they’re an ancient race that awakens every 600 years to breed and reclaim the Earth from humanity. Their leader (Bernie Casey) speaks in a guttural voice, expressing disdain for humans and a desire to propagate their kind.
Dr. Boley teams up with the police and Diana to fend off the creatures, uncovering that the gargoyles see humans as intruders on their planet. The climax involves a tense standoff at an abandoned mine, where the humans fight to survive, though the gargoyles ultimately retreat with their eggs intact, hinting at a future resurgence. The film ends on an eerie, unresolved note, balancing horror with a subtle ecological message about coexistence.
Gargoyles won an Emmy Award in 1973 for Outstanding Achievement in Makeup, credited to Stan Winston and Del Acevedo. The film’s groundbreaking practical effects, particularly the gargoyle costumes and prosthetics, were a major reason for its recognition. This was one of Stan Winston’s earliest credited works, foreshadowing his later fame for films like The Terminator and Jurassic Park. The Emmy win highlights the film’s technical achievement, especially impressive given its modest TV movie budget.
Fun Facts
Stan Winston’s Debut: This was one of the first major projects for legendary makeup artist Stan Winston, who crafted the gargoyle suits using foam latex and detailed sculpting. The suits were so effective that they terrified crew members on set, despite being cumbersome for the actors to wear.

Low Budget Innovation: Filmed for CBS with a tight budget of around $200,000 and a 12-day shooting schedule, Gargoyles relied heavily on practical effects and minimal locations (mostly shot in New Mexico) to create its atmosphere.
Cultural Impact: The film aired on November 21, 1972, and became a cult classic among horror fans, partly due to its creepy premise and memorable creature design. It’s often cited as a childhood scare for viewers of the era.

Creature Speech: The gargoyle leader’s dialogue was a rarity for TV monsters at the time, giving the creatures a personality rather than just menace. Actor Bernie Casey wore the heavy makeup and delivered lines through a distorted filter.
Cast
Cornel Wilde as Dr. Mercer Boley: A seasoned actor and director, Wilde plays the rational but curious anthropologist thrust into a supernatural nightmare. Known for The Naked Prey (1965), he brought gravitas to the role.

Jennifer Salt as Diana Boley: Salt, later a writer for Nip/Tuck, portrays the resourceful daughter who aids her father. She was a rising star in the early ’70s, known for Midnight Cowboy (1969).

Bernie Casey as The Gargoyle Leader: Casey, a former NFL player turned actor (Revenge of the Nerds), donned the lead gargoyle suit and gave the creature a commanding presence with his voice and physicality.

Scott Glenn as James Reeger: In an early role, Glenn plays a tough biker who gets entangled in the chaos. He’d later gain fame in The Silence of the Lambs (1991).

Woody Chambliss as Uncle Willie: A character actor with a knack for quirky roles, Chambliss sets the story in motion as the doomed desert eccentric.

Grayson Hall as Mrs. Parks: The motel owner, played by an Oscar-nominated actress (The Night of the Iguana), adds a touch of class to the supporting cast.

Additional Notes
Gargoyles stands out for its blend of intellectual curiosity (Dr. Boley’s anthropological lens) and visceral horror, wrapped in a compact 74-minute runtime typical of TV movies. Its Emmy-winning makeup and atmospheric desert setting make it a memorable entry in 1970s horror, often rediscovered by fans of retro creature features.