The Creature

The Creature. Silver Springs on the Silver Screen. , "Creature from the Black Lagoon" was one of many monster movies produced by Universal Studios in the mid-20th century and arguably one of the most influential. "Beauty and the Beast" inspired the basic plot about the half-fish, half-human creature. The Creature, also known as the "Gill-man", was designed by make-up artists Millicent Patrick and Bud Westmore. The suit was made from airtight molded sponge rubber. It is unknown exactly how this particular suit was used but park staff are continuing to research its origin. In all three films, Ricou Browning portrayed the Gill-man and developed an unusual method of swimming and moving to make the creature seem humanoid yet distinctly not human. Mr. Browning went on to become a member of the public relations team at Silver Springs, as well as a director of many underwater TV shows and movies at Silver Springs, such as "Sea Hunt" and "Thunderball"., Although filmed mostly in California, many of the scenes were shot on location in Florida at Wakulla Springs, Green Cove Springs, Rainbow Springs, Marineland, and Silver Springs.