They Came from the Swamp: The Films of William Grefé (2016)

Name: They Came from the Swamp: The Films of William Grefé
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2016
Duration: 123 min
Rating: 6.3
Cast: William Grefé, Steve Alaimo, John Davis Chandler, Gary Crutcher, Frank Henenlotter

2h 3m United States of America

Documentary

Plot

Savage, sadistic, and thrill-seeking, William Grefé stands out as a maverick in independent cinema from Florida. During the 1960s and '70s, he transformed the eerie Florida swamps into a unique film studio, crafting low-budget exploitation gems. His wild storytelling featured everything from crocodiles cursed by an ancient Seminole witch doctor in *Death Curse of Tartu* to a serpent named Stanley. Now, Grefé's untold story unfolds in vibrant psychedelic color, showcasing the audacity and creativity of Florida's most daring filmmaker, who pushed boundaries without the safety of cages or protective devices.

Cast

William Grefé Steve Alaimo John Davis Chandler Gary Crutcher Frank Henenlotter David F. Friedman William Shatner Melanie Grefé Doris Bernhardt Herschell Gordon Lewis Fred Olen Ray Chris Robinson Doug Hobart Bill Marcus Chris Poggiali