Zombies of Mora Tau (1957).

The Scoop:
Talk about a movie in desperate need of a good 60-watt lightbulb.

This entertaining (though by no means classic) bit of B-grade schlock -- starring Gregg Palmer, Allison Hayes and Autumn Russell -- tells the story of divers searching for lost diamonds off the coast of Africa, only to tangle with the band of zombies guarding them. Although this was made with professional talent, it's still pretty low rent. Most of the action takes place in the horribly-lit night scenes, the acting is stiff, the dialogue consists of some of the most wooden expository claptrap you've ever heard, and the zombie make-up pretty much consists of nothing but vacant stares. It's like an Ed Wood movie, but without the sheer moxie and delight only he could've brought to material like this.

"Zombies of Mora Tau" does have one thing going for it, though -- underwater zombie fights! As you might expect, this kick-ass concept isn't used to the best effect, but at least this movie was bold enough to suggest it.

Yet, despite all its flaws, it somehow hangs together enough to be pretty watchable. Just how it does that is a mystery, but who are we to question such a mysterious gift?

Best Bit:
Just about everything that happens in the insanely ridiculous last two minutes.

Side Note:
Another effort from blacklisted screenwriter Bernard Marcus.

Companion Viewing:
"From Hell It Came" (1957).

Links:
IMDb.

Take a Look:
"Zombie vengance over-runs the screen!"