The Blob
A mysterious creature from another planet, resembling a giant blob of jelly, lands on earth. The people of a nearby small town refuse to listen to some teenagers who have witnessed the blob's destructive power. In the meantime, the blob just keeps on getting bigger.
Despite its minimal budget of $110K, The Blob became a runaway success, earning $4.0M worldwide—a remarkable 3536% return. The film's compelling narrative resonated with audiences, demonstrating that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Blob (1958) exhibits precise dramatic framework, characteristic of Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr.'s storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 22 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.7, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Steve Andrews and Jane Martin enjoy innocent teenage romance at lover's lane, establishing their carefree world before the horror begins.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Steve and Jane find the old man screaming in agony with the blob attached to his arm. They witness the creature for the first time and rush him to Dr. Hallen, entering a nightmare they cannot escape.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 20 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Steve discovers Dr. Hallen and the nurse have been consumed by the blob. He actively chooses to fight this threat despite adult disbelief, committing to warn the town and stop the creature., moving from reaction to action.
At 40 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat The blob attacks the crowded movie theater during the midnight spook show. Stakes explode as the creature threatens hundreds of lives. The adults finally witness the threat but now face unstoppable horror., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 60 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The blob completely engulfs the diner. Steve, Jane, and the others face certain death trapped in the basement as the creature oozes down toward them. Hope dies - nothing can stop it., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 65 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Steve notices the blob recoils from cold CO2 from a fire extinguisher. The realization hits: cold stops it! This knowledge from observation gives them their weapon. Science and youth's resourcefulness win., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Blob's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping The Blob against these established plot points, we can identify how Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr. utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Blob within the horror genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Steve Andrews and Jane Martin enjoy innocent teenage romance at lover's lane, establishing their carefree world before the horror begins.
Theme
The old man who discovers the meteor says "It's a real strange thing" - foreshadowing how the unknown and unbelievable will challenge everyone to believe the truth.
Worldbuilding
Small-town America in the 1950s is introduced: skeptical police, concerned parents, teenage social dynamics, and the generation gap between adults who won't listen and teens who see the truth.
Disruption
Steve and Jane find the old man screaming in agony with the blob attached to his arm. They witness the creature for the first time and rush him to Dr. Hallen, entering a nightmare they cannot escape.
Resistance
Steve debates whether to get involved, faces skepticism from police and adults who don't believe his story. He returns to the doctor's office to investigate, resisting the call to be the hero.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Steve discovers Dr. Hallen and the nurse have been consumed by the blob. He actively chooses to fight this threat despite adult disbelief, committing to warn the town and stop the creature.
Mirror World
Steve's relationship with Jane deepens as she believes him unconditionally, representing trust and partnership. Their bond carries the theme: youth must be believed and trusted to save the day.
Premise
The fun monster-movie premise delivers: Steve and teenagers try to convince adults while the blob grows larger, attacking the grocery store and movie theater. Teen heroes vs alien menace.
Midpoint
The blob attacks the crowded movie theater during the midnight spook show. Stakes explode as the creature threatens hundreds of lives. The adults finally witness the threat but now face unstoppable horror.
Opposition
The blob grows massive and surrounds the diner where Steve, Jane, and others are trapped. Every attack fails. Guns, fire, and power lines prove useless. The creature seems invincible.
Collapse
The blob completely engulfs the diner. Steve, Jane, and the others face certain death trapped in the basement as the creature oozes down toward them. Hope dies - nothing can stop it.
Crisis
In the dark cellar awaiting death, Steve processes their helplessness. The town mobilizes but has no solution. This is the dark night before the breakthrough.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Steve notices the blob recoils from cold CO2 from a fire extinguisher. The realization hits: cold stops it! This knowledge from observation gives them their weapon. Science and youth's resourcefulness win.
Synthesis
Steve leads the town in gathering fire extinguishers and freezing the blob. They work together - teens and adults finally united. The Air Force arrives to transport the frozen creature to the Arctic.
Transformation
Steve and Jane watch as the blob is parachuted to the frozen Arctic. Steve is now the respected hero, adults learned to listen to youth, and the town is saved. "The End" appears with a question mark - as long as the Arctic stays cold.