Slithis (aka Spawn Of The Slithis) (1978) **1/2

It's no surprise that Stephen Traxler only made one theatrically released feature film. While Slithis (aka Spawn Of The Slithis) (which had there been a sequel to this film should have been its title) has a decidedly fun final third, it's a mostly slow-going super low budget nature run amok/rubber monster movie with poor performances, awkward editing, and far too much exposition in its first half. 

The lead (a Tom Jones stand-in)—a journalism teacher who fancies himself a journalist—ropes his wife, a doctor friend (reminiscent of a young Stan Lee), and a boat captain—who plays as sort of an amalgam of Quarrel from Dr. No (1962), a precursor to Katanga from Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981), and Quint from Jaws (1975) (review) (which this picture rips off a bit)—into tracking down a dollar store Gill-man/proto-Ninja Turtle after some dogs and a few people are killed by the titular creature.

There's a few hilarious character moments, some risible dialogue, and enjoyable '70s fashion but a lot of the film is a slog. Overall, Slithis is a pretty good time but doesn't really warrant revisiting. Great poster and title though.