Creature From The Black Lagoon Casting of Creature Gill-Man Head From Original Mold - Quite strange that "Citizen Kane", considered the greatest film ever made was responsible for the birth of the 1950's horror classic "Creature of the Black Lagoon". The "Creature's" producer William Alland was playing the part of Reporter Jerry Thompson in "Kane", and during an after dinner filming party overheard a guest talking about the myth of a half-human half-fish creature that lived in the Amazon River. Of course he immediately saw the potential for a horror movie, and over a decade later, "Creature From The Black Lagoon" was born! Filmed in 3-D it became one of the highest grossing films of the 1950's, and even in its "flat" version is still considered one of the all time greatest horror films. Of course its biggest draw was the creature himself, known as the Gill-man, which had more to do with King Kong or even closer to Beauty and the Beast to just a slimy monster, since the Gil-man had heart. Originally designer by Disney animator Millicent Patrick, it took form by legendary make-up artist Bud Westmore. Jack Kevan, known for such grand but diverse films as "The Wizard of Oz", and "The Mole People" created the suit, and Chris Mueller, Jr, created the head. The actual suit mask and head are one of the most sought after and cherished of all movie horror memorabilia. This is a hard resin and latex casting made at Universal Studios from the original mold used in the production and crafted by Bud Westmore. It comes from the celebrated collection of Jerry Neeley, well-known film historian, writer, collector and owner of the famous "Jerry's Video" in Los Feliz, CA. Customers, collectors and throngs of industry people would come from around the world to talk to Jerry, whose knowledge and memory were encyclopedic and also visit his collection.This rare piece of iconic Hollywood creatures comes with a Letter of Provenience from Jerry Neely's widow and co-owner of his various video and memorabilia shops. (Gill-man original casting is approx 7"x13"x8").