The Crocodile

Creator: Ray Harryhausen

Film: The Three Worlds of Gulliver 1960

Croc Video Clip

The Crocodile is one of many miniature animals kept in the possession of the King of Brobdingnag. Makovan the Court alchemist has accused Gulliver of being a witch and he convinces the King that Gulliver has strange powers, which had turned his hair red. Also, he had won the King at chess!  Another unforgivable thing! His wife Elizabeth begs Gulliver to deny that he knew science and chemistry and that he was a witch so as to spare his life. Makovan, the alchemist uses Gulliver’s confession against him and said that he was guiltier now than ever. To Gulliver’s dismay he is sentenced to death and the crocodile is brought to the tabletop.

The animal is released from his cage and the queen eager to save Elizabeth places a giant glass over her so as to stop the Crocodile attacking her. The crocodile approaches Gulliver and the queen throws her broach to him to use as a shield. The creature snaps it’s huge jaws at the miniature Gulliver as he dives and parries to avoid instant death. Gulliver uses his ‘shield’ to hit the snout of the crocodile that then grabs the shield with his teeth, which results in a brief tug of war with the crocodile finally casting the shield aside. The crocodile pursues Gulliver to a jewel box fastened by a miniature sword that is just the size for Gulliver to use and so taking his chance he draws the sword. Gulliver attacks the animal with great ferocity making the beast back up in its path and another fight ensues. Gulliver is then knocked to the ground by the crocodile and as the creature approaches for its kill Gulliver plunges the sword deep into its chest. The crocodile turns on it’s side as Gulliver delivers the fateful blow and kills the beast.

 

The Croc Facts

From Ray Harryhausen

• The Alligator/Croc was originally meant to be a giant rat.

• Like all fight sequences Enzo Musumeci-Greco again choreographed the swordplay which was designed to accommodate certain touches.

• During the rehearsals Enzo took the part of the Croc, after which Kerwin had to produce the movements in a shadow-boxing sequence.

 

Credit: An Animated Life

By Tony Dalton