Villain(s)  Giant prehistoric reptile

Actor(s):  Carl Ottosen, Ann Smyrner, Mimi Heinrich, Dirch Passer

Brief Description  Reptilicus (1962) is a cult-classic sci-fi monster movie that stands famously as Denmark’s first and only giant monster film. Directed and co-written by American B-movie filmmaker Sidney W. Pink, it is a unique Danish-American co-production between Saga Studio and American International Pictures (AIP). Shot simultaneously in two languages using largely the same cast, the English-language version was released in the United States in 1962 and has since earned legendary status for its campy, low-budget charm and hilarious practical effects.

Plot:
While drilling in the frozen tundra of Lapland, copper miners accidentally strike a chunk of bloody, prehistoric flesh. They unearth a massive frozen tail belonging to an unidentified ancient reptile. The specimen is flown to the Denmark Arkivarium (Danish Aquarium) in Copenhagen for study under Professor Martens. Because of a careless oversight, the refrigeration system is left open and the tail thaws. The scientists discover that the cells have dynamic, starfish-like regenerative properties. They submerge it in a nutrient solution, and a lightning storm eventually jump-starts its growth into a full-sized, 90-foot prehistoric behemoth. Dubbed "Reptilicus," the massive serpent-like dragon breaks out of the laboratory and terrorizes the Danish countryside before heading toward Copenhagen. It crushes paper-mâché buildings, forces crowds to flee in panic, and devours livestock.

The Military Response: The United Nations appoints American General Mark Grayson to assist the Danish military. They hit the monster with tanks, flamethrowers, and heavy artillery, but its armored scales make it completely immune to conventional firearms. The scientists realize a terrifying flaw in the military's plan: because of the creature's immense regenerative capabilities, blowing it apart with heavy explosives will only cause each severed piece to grow into a brand-new monster. Armed with a bazooka loaded with a highly potent sedative/poison capsule, General Grayson manages to shoot the chemical directly into the monster's open mouth while it tears through the streets of Copenhagen. Reptilicus collapses and dies. The final frame reveals that one of Reptilicus's claws was blown off earlier by a depth charge and sits resting at the bottom of the ocean floor, slowly beginning to twitch and regenerate.