Tentacles

_Dull Italian “Jaws” knockoff with a few interesting bits_ When several people mysteriously turn-up dead off the coast of San Diego, a killer whale trainer (Bo Hopkins) suspects it’s due to the high frequency ultrasonic soundwaves used in building an underwater tunnel. Claude Akins is on hand as the sheriff. “Tentacles” (1977) is an Italian production inspired by “Jaws” with several notable American actors to sell it. Henry Fonda’s part is a glorified cameo while John Huston’s role is negligible. A boring subplot featuring Shelley Winters is obvious padding. Bo Hopkins thus carries the film and is a likable protagonist, but the film lacks the interesting characters and cogent storytelling of “Jaws.” Some dubious dubbing doesn’t help. There are a few highlights, such as Delia Boccardo (Vicky) and Sherry Buchanan (Judy) in the feminine department; the eccentric Italian score, which is reminiscent of Spaghetti Westerns mixed with Animals-era Pink Floyd; the haunting dead fish on the ocean floor sequence; and the inventive way the creature threat is resolved at the end. Many films were influenced by the success of “Jaws” and were arguably just as entertaining in their own way, such as “Orca,” “Piranha,” “Jaws 2,” “Humanoids from the Deep” and “The Beast.” “Tentacles,” unfortunately, doesn’t rank with them. Yet it has its points of interest if you’re in the mood for such a flick and have already seen the others; just be braced for a lot of tedium. The movie runs 1 hour, 42 minutes, and was shot in the San Diego area, including Pismo Beach, La Jolla, Point Loma, Shelter Island, Oceanside and Marineland of the Pacific in Rancho Palos Verdes. The well-done underwater sequences were filmed in Italy. GRADE: C-