Monster on the Campus (1958)

Another Universal monster classic, Our story begins on a 50s college campus of course, when a rare giant fish from Madagascar is delivered to the lab of a biology professor (Arthur Franz, veteran of campy B-movies). Obsessed with endangered species, the doc begins to conduct some studies it, yet doesn't realize that it's filled with a powerful drug that can change any living creature back into its neanderthalic state. So when a dragon fly lands on it, it becomes a huge prehistoric creature. When a dog licks the blood of the fish, it becomes a vicious saber-toothed wolf. And when the good doctor cuts his hand on the fish's jaws, oh brother watch out - because that's when the movie goes Jeckyll-and-Hyde-esque, as the nutty professor instantly transforms into the titular beast. It's most violent part shows the monster throwing an ax into the face of a park ranger, gruesome for 1958. Troy Donohue plays one of his students. Also starring - in her only role as a lead actress - Joanna Moore (mother of Tatum O'Neal) If remade today, I bet the writers would have the savage attack some horny coeds in the bedroom of at some wild frat party. Directed by Jack Arnold ("Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "Incredible Shrinking Man"). Interestingly, this film was never featured on "Mystery Science Theater 3000" - it could have been!