Creature of Destruction

Creature of Destruction

Year: 1967

Runtime: 80 mins

Language: English

Director: Larry Buchanan

Horror

When darkness falls, the deranged stage hypnotist Dr. John Basso transforms his stunning assistant Doreena into the physical incarnation of a prehistoric sea monster—a being she embodied in a past life. He then exploits this terrifying power, claiming to foresee murders and using the creature to carry them out in a quest for fame and fortune.

Creature of Destruction (1967) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Creature of Destruction (1967) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a shadow‑slick world where the line between spectacle and the supernatural blurs, a silver‑haired stage hypnotist commands attention with his charismatic yet unsettling performances. Dr. John Basso presents himself as a clairvoyant showman, drawing crowds who crave the thrill of the unknown while he quietly pursues a personal crusade to prove that ancient, primal forces still linger beneath civilization’s veneer.

At the heart of his act is his mesmerizing assistant, Doreena, whose beauty masks a deeper, tumultuous past. Through Basso’s hypnotic regression experiments, she is drawn back to a prehistoric incarnation—a humanoid sea creature whispered about in forgotten lore. The transformation grants her a terrifying presence that Basso exploits, turning the mysterious power into a catalyst for the shocking displays that promise him fame and fortune.

Meanwhile, the uneasy atmosphere attracts a trio of outsiders: Lt. Blake, a detective whose skepticism is tested by the bizarre evidence left behind; Captain Ted Dell, a psychologist fascinated by the mind’s hidden depths and drawn into the drama by his fiancée; and Sam Crane, a retired magnate whose opulent country‑club settings become the stage for Basso’s daring acts. Their intersecting motives and curiosities create a tense web of intrigue, each character probing the limits of belief, control, and exploitation.

The film swirls with a moody blend of gothic horror and noir suspense, bathing every scene in a restless darkness that suggests the monstrous may be an echo of forgotten selves. As Basso’s ambitions grow, the fragile balance between performance and peril trembles, leaving the audience to wonder just how far one will go to command the unknowable and command the spotlight.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 23:23

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Movies about human-made monsters like Creature of Destruction

Stories where scientific or psychological hubris creates a terrifying monster.If you liked Creature of Destruction's theme of a hypnotist creating a monster for personal gain, you'll find similar stories here. These movies explore the terrifying consequences of scientific hubris and psychological manipulation, where the real villain is human ambition.

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Stories in this thread typically follow a clear cause-and-effect pattern: a character's obsessive pursuit of knowledge, power, or fame leads them to 'create' a monster, either literally or figuratively. This creation then spirals out of control, turning on its creator and others, culminating in a destructive and often tragic climax.

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These films are grouped by their shared focus on the 'mad scientist' or manipulator archetype and the theme of creation turning against the creator. They share a dark, cautionary tone and explore the ethical boundaries of power and control.

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Tales of psychological manipulation where the mind is the real battlefield.Fans of Creature of Destruction's theme of a hypnotist controlling his assistant will enjoy these films. Discover similar movies about psychological manipulation, lost agency, and the horrific results of one mind dominating another.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around a dominant, often charismatic figure who manipulates a vulnerable subject. The plot explores the gradual loss of the victim's agency, the exploitative goals of the controller, and the inevitable violent or tragic outcome of this twisted relationship.

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These movies are united by their exploration of psychological domination as a primary source of horror. They share an oppressive, anxious mood and focus on the terrifying dynamics of control, obsession, and the loss of self.

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Creature of Destruction Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Creature of Destruction

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Creature of Destruction

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