Hot Rods & Huge Monsters
For those who love classic cars, Reno is the place to be
during Hot August Nights Many
of the casinos host events from show & shines to drag races. Around town during a quick run to the store,
you might spot a ’67 Corvette or an antique fire engine polished to a high
gloss.
An unexpected thunderstorm made it a bad night to cruise the
streets, but provided an excellent setting to watch a classic horror
flick. We chose The Giant Gila Monster (1959) which features hot rods, a soda shop even a sock hop.
Poor Sheriff Jeff—as the lone lawman in a small town in
rural Texas-he has two missing teens, several strange auto accidents and no
deputy to assist with the investigation.
He enlists the help of Chase Winstead (our hero) a rakish mechanic who
loves fast cars, yet is a devoted son who supports his mom and sister. All the mayhem has been caused by a 50 foot
Gila Monster (actually a live Mexican Bearded Lizard). The film is reminiscent of those teen beach
movies of the 50’s with singing and dancing except with no beach and one creepy
lizard.
If you’re feeling in need of a 50’s fix and can’t make it to
Reno for Hot August Nights, grab your main squeeze and the popcorn and check
out The Giant Gila Monster.