One of the 1950s classic monster movies, “The Creature from the Black Lagoon,” will help celebrate Halloween this year, as the Apollo Theater presents it on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Conceived by William Allard –inspired by a Mexican myth of half-fish, half-human creatures in the Amazon River and “Beauty and the Beast” (and probably “King Kong”) – the 1954 movie follows scientists who return to the Amazon after a geology expedition found a skeletal hand with webbed fingers: possible proof of a link between land and sea animals. Looking for fossils, the scientists find a living creature and try to capture it to bring back to their institute for study. It’s seized but escapes, only to return to abduct a girl with the expedition.

Allard, also producer and actor (he was the main reporter in “Citizen Kane”), had his idea filmed by director Jack Arnold, who also made “It Came from Outer Space” and “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (and, eventually, TV episodes of “Gilligan’s Island” and “The Love Boat.”)

Arnold cast a handful of familiar faces from the ‘50s: Richard Carlson, Richard Carlson, Julie Adams and Whit Bissell. Uncredited were were actors who played the Creature. Ricou Browning played the Gill Man in water scenes; Ben Chapman played him on land. (Also uncredited for his contributions to the score was Henry Mancini.)

“Creature from The Black Lagoon” had two sequels, “Revenge of the Creature” and “The Creature Walks Among Us,” plus children’s books, a pinball game, and even a 2009 musical. A planned remake, in development since 1982, is reportedly on hold at Universal.

Show time at the Apollo are at 7:00 p.m. Donations are $5 and $4 for kids, students and seniors. For details call (309) 673-4343.