The Crater Lake Monster

The Crater Lake Monster

Year: 1977

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Director: William R. Stromberg

Science FictionHorrorMonsters aliens sci-fi and the apocalypseSci-fi horror creatures and aliensSci-fi monster and dinosaur adventures

A meteor crashes into Crater Lake, its heat awakening a prehistoric egg beneath the water. The egg hatches into a massive, plesiosaur‑like monster that stalks the shoreline, spreading panic as the community fights to survive its attacks. Its terrifying presence turns the peaceful lake into a nightmare for locals who must face the ancient predator.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Crater Lake Monster yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Crater Lake Monster (1977)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Crater Lake Monster (1977). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Crater Lake, Northern California

Crater Lake sits high in Northern California, a deep, pristine crater lake formed by volcanic activity. The surrounding community relies on the lake for recreation and livelihood, with a small-town diner and a boating scene at its heart. The plot centers on a sudden heat-warmed lake and a prehistoric predator that emerges, changing the town's routines and fears.

🏞️ Remote lake setting 🚣 Boating culture 🏘️ Small mountain town

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:06

Main Characters – The Crater Lake Monster (1977)

Meet the key characters of The Crater Lake Monster (1977), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dan Turner (Richard Garrison)

A determined scientist who helps decipher the cave drawings and later collaborates with Calkins and the Sheriff to understand the monster. He values evidence, teamwork, and clear thinking as the town confronts an extraordinary threat.

🧬 Scientist 🔬 Researcher 🧭 Pragmatic

Susan Patterson (Kacey Cobb)

Calkins's girlfriend and fellow researcher who accompanies the team during the discovery. She is capable, supportive, and engaged in the quest for answers about the ancient drawings and the lake’s danger.

💡 Scientist 🤝 Partner 🧭 Supportive

Sheriff Steve Hanson (Richard Cardella)

The town’s pragmatic lawman who leads the investigation and ultimately confronts the monster. He prioritizes public safety, makes tough calls, and clashes with others who want to gamble with the monster’s fate.

🚓 Lawman 🛡️ Protector 🎯 Decisive

Jack Fuller (Marc Eliot)

U.S. senator who becomes one of the monster’s victims, serving as a catalyst for the town’s alarm and the investigation that follows. His death underscores the monster’s reach beyond everyday life.

🏛️ Politician ⚰️ Victim

Ross Conway (Michael F. Hoover)

A performer traveling with his wife Paula who rents a boat to escape danger. He survives long enough to witness the monster’s impact on the community and reflects on its threat to everyday life.

🎭 Entertainer 🛶 Traveler

Paula Conway (Suzanne Lewis)

Ross's wife who joins the boating trip and contributes to the plan to outpace the monster. She embodies the resolve and resilience of townspeople facing a sudden aquatic threat.

💡 Partner 🧭 Support

Arnie Chabot (Glen Roberts)

Owner of the fledgling boat rental business and a source of conflict with his partner. His impulsive nature and stubbornness contribute to the town’s crisis, and he meets a violent end at the hands of the monster.

💼 Entrepreneur 🗣️ Conflict ⚔️ Fatal

Mitch Kowalski (Mark Siegel)

Arnie's partner who champions the idea of continuing the boat rental business despite the danger. He represents pragmatism and loyalty, remaining engaged in the community’s response even after Arnie’s death.

🧭 Practical 🤝 Loyal 🗣️ Debate

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:06

Major Themes – The Crater Lake Monster (1977)

Explore the central themes of The Crater Lake Monster (1977), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦕 Threat

A prehistoric predator becomes the catalyst for fear, driving how a quiet lake town reacts to danger. The monster’s appearances escalate panic, rumors, and a sense of urgency that reshapes community life. The story explores how fear can unite or fracture a community under threat.

💰 Greed & Safety

Economic incentives push some characters to monetize the crisis through boat rentals and tourism. The Sheriff and scientists contend that safety and lives come before profit, exposing tensions between exploitation and protection. The conflict shows how money can influence crisis decisions.

🌡️ Environmental Change

The meteor impact heats Crater Lake, altering its ecosystem and enabling the predator to operate more freely. The lake’s unusual warmth changes wildlife patterns and human activity around the shore. The film links natural forces to human consequences, highlighting the fragility of balance in nature.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:06

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Crater Lake Monster

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Crater Lake Monster in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Crater Lake Monster is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Crater Lake Monster Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Crater Lake Monster, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Crater Lake Monster Summary

The Crater Lake Monster Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Crater Lake Monster with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Crater Lake Monster Timeline

More About The Crater Lake Monster

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Crater Lake Monster: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Crater Lake Monster

Similar Movies to The Crater Lake Monster

Discover movies like The Crater Lake Monster that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.