Locusts (1974)
A gripping made-for-TV disaster thriller about a Midwestern farming community fighting for survival against a devastating locust swarm.
Locusts - Movie Information
- Original Title: Locusts
- Release Year: 1974
- Directed by: Richard T. Heffron
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, TV Movie, Horror, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 14m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: Carson Productions, Paramount Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Insect Storm (DE)
Locusts - Plot
A swarm of locusts appears on the horizon near a Midwestern town and the inhabitants must find a way to destroy or divert them before the insects devour the area's valuable crops.
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Locusts - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard T. Heffron
Main Cast
- Ben Johnson
- Ron Howard
- Katherine Helmond
- Lisa Gerritsen
- Belinda Balaski
- Rance Howard
- Robert Cruse
- William Speerstra
- Robert Koons
- Bob W. Hoffman
Writers
- Robert M. Young
Producers
- Herbert Wright
Locusts - FAQs
What is Locusts (1974) about?
Locusts follows the Fletcher family and their Midwestern community as a massive swarm of locusts descends on their farmland. With their livelihoods at stake, the townspeople scramble to find a way to stop the insects before the crops — and their way of life — are completely wiped out.
Is Locusts (1974) based on a true story?
Locusts isn't based on a specific true story, but it draws on a very real fear for farming communities. Locust swarms have devastated agricultural regions throughout history, making the film's premise feel grounded and genuinely unsettling for anyone familiar with rural life.
Where can you watch Locusts (1974) online?
You can check current streaming and rental options for Locusts on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. As a 1974 TV movie, availability may be limited, so JustWatch is your best bet for finding where it's currently accessible.
Did Ron Howard appear in Locusts before his directing career?
Yes! Ron Howard plays Donny Fletcher in Locusts, appearing here as a young actor just a year before Happy Days made him a household name. It's a fascinating early credit for someone who would go on to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated directors.
Who are the main cast members in Locusts?
The film centers on the Fletcher family, with Ben Johnson as patriarch Amos, Ron Howard as his son Donny, and Katherine Helmond as Claire. Lisa Gerritsen and Belinda Balaski round out the core cast, with Rance Howard — Ron's real-life father — also appearing in a supporting role.
Is Locusts (1974) worth watching for horror fans?
Locusts is a solid slice of 1970s made-for-TV disaster horror. It leans more into rural tension and survival drama than outright scares, but fans of creature-feature disaster films and classic TV movies will find it an enjoyable, atmospheric watch — especially for the strong ensemble cast.
Who directed and wrote the 1974 TV movie Locusts?
Richard T. Heffron directed Locusts, a prolific TV director known for his work across numerous made-for-television productions throughout the 1970s and 80s. The screenplay was written by Robert M. Young, with the film produced by Herbert Wright for Carson Productions and Paramount Television.
What are some movies similar to Locusts (1974)?
If you enjoyed Locusts, you might like Take Shelter (2011) for its rural dread and impending disaster, Tremors (1990) for creature-feature thrills, or Threads (1985) for grim survival tension. Atomic Twister (2002) and Supervolcano (2005) also share that made-for-TV disaster film energy.
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