Lot 801 email save

Creature from the Black Lagoon Gill Man mask

Sign In to see what this sold for

801. Original Creature from the Black Lagoon hero "Gill Man" mask from Revenge of the Creature. (Universal, 1955) This is the highly detailed "Gill Man" mask from Revenge of the Creature. The Gill Man required an elaborate costume that would be fabricated by the talented make-up effects department at Universal under the direction of Bud Westmore. Jack Arnold, the director of both Creature from the Black Lagoon and Revenge of the Creature, came up with the basic look for the Creature. He later recalled his struggle in conjuring up the basic design: "…what the hell was the this guy going to look like? I had this little plaque from when I was nominated for the Academy Award – it had this little Oscar on it. I began to imagine what he would look like with a fish head and fins…" So, based on the Academy's revered statuette and Arnold's creative vision, the costume was sketched out on paper by Millicent Patrick, and fabricated under the direction of Bud Westmore. For the sequel, it was decided that the Universal make-up effects department would re-sculpt the Gill Man mask, reportedly to improve upon the very poor visibility characteristics. This mask is constructed of latex over a semi rigid hood with fabric backing. The eyes are covered with convex lenses with hand-painted blood vessel detailing. The left eye has a small cut out in the center of the lens for visibility. The latex is painted green with red accents around the lips. Air bladders manipulate the gills when pressurized adding to the organic realism of arguably the most iconic monster from 1950s horror cinema. The mask exhibits some deterioration which can be expected from the 50+ ensuing years, yet overall remains in remarkable condition and has been professionally stabilized for longevity. This mask has remained in the Westmore family since the production and is accompanied by a letter of provenance by Mark Westmore, Bud's grand nephew, who was given the mask by Bud around 1970. $60,000 - $80,000

View Profiles in History next auction.

Similar lots up for auction