The Black Scorpion (1957)

After a massive earthquake hits Mexico, two geologists (Richard Denning, Carlos Rivas) are sent to study a new volcano born out of the quake. But what they discover is that the earthquake has unearthed some giant prehistoric scorpions that will soon rampage the Mexican countryside and eventually Mexico City. Directed by Edward Ludwig (WAKE OF THE RED WITCH). The 1950s saw a proliferation of giant insect movies terrifying mankind. Among them ants (THEM!), locusts (BEGINNING OF THE END), spiders (TARANTULA) and even a mantis (THE DEADLY MANTIS). This one has scorpions but it resembles one of those Japanese Toho monster movies as much as anything. The stop motion animation effects are by the legendary Willis O'Brien (1933's KING KONG) and they're pretty good actually. The scorpion attack on a passenger train is very well done. But it's the lame script that gets the movie into trouble. Films like this have the most mundane protagonists and then there's the requisite "adorable" moppet who's really a pain in the ass because he doesn't listen and do as he's told and puts himself in peril and has to be rescued by the hero. The lovely Mara Corday as a lady rancher provides the romantic interest.