They Came from the Swamp: The Films of William Grefé Poster

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

★ 6.36 votes123 min📅 2016-04-19

"If there were rules to making a movie, one indie director would break them all!"

Dive into the wild world of 1960s and '70s Florida exploitation cinema with *They Came from the Swamp: The Films of William Grefé* (2016), a vibrant documentary that celebrates the unhinged creativity of Miami-based filmmaker William Grefé.

Director: Daniel Griffith

Cast

William Grefé
William Grefé
Himself
Steve Alaimo
Himself
John Davis Chandler
John Davis Chandler
Himself
Gary Crutcher
Himself
Frank Henenlotter
Frank Henenlotter
Himself
David F. Friedman
Himself
William Shatner
William Shatner
Himself (voice only)
Melanie Grefé
Herself
Doris Bernhardt
Herself
Herschell Gordon Lewis
Herschell Gordon Lewis
Himself

Frequently Asked Questions

What is They Came from the Swamp: The Films of William Grefé (2016) about?

This documentary dives into the eccentric filmography of Miami-based cult director William Grefé, highlighting his 1960s and '70s exploitation classics set against Florida's dark, swampy landscapes. It blends interviews, clips, and behind-the-scenes stories to celebrate his rebellious, low-budget approach to genre filmmaking.

Who directed They Came from the Swamp: The Films of William Grefé?

The documentary was directed by Daniel Griffith, who guides viewers through Grefé's chaotic and creative filmmaking legacy.

Who stars in They Came from the Swamp: The Films of William Grefé?

Key figures featured include William Grefé himself, alongside Steve Alaimo, John Davis Chandler, Gary Crutcher, and cult filmmaker Frank Henenlotter.

Is They Came from the Swamp: The Films of William Grefé (2016) worth watching?

If you love cult cinema, exploitation films, or behind-the-scenes stories about maverick directors, this documentary is a must-see. Its energetic tone and celebration of Grefé's unique vision make it a fun, nostalgic dive into a bygone era of filmmaking.

How long is They Came from the Swamp: The Films of William Grefé?

The runtime is 123 minutes, perfect for a deep dive into Grefé's wild cinematic world.

About They Came from the Swamp: The Films of William Grefé (2016) — Exploring the wildest Florida exploitation films

Dive into the wild world of 1960s and '70s Florida exploitation cinema with *They Came from the Swamp: The Films of William Grefé* (2016), a vibrant documentary that celebrates the unhinged creativity of Miami-based filmmaker William Grefé. Known for his low-budget, high-energy genre flicks, Grefé turned the murky swamps of the Sunshine State into a cinematic playground, blending horror, thrills, and offbeat charm into films like *Death Curse of Tartu* and *Stanley the Croc*. This behind-the-scenes look explores how Grefé defied industry norms, crafting vivid, often bizarre tales that thrived in drive-ins and cult theaters.

Through interviews with industry legends like Frank Henenlotter and Frank Henenlotter, the documentary captures the raw, rebellious spirit of Grefé's work, from his eccentric characters to the eerie atmosphere of his swampy settings. It's a love letter to an era when filmmakers embraced chaos to create unforgettable, offbeat cinema that still resonates with fans today.