Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"I don't believe in it, but I'd say you don't argue with people who say they've seen it. They will shoot you." — Chief Deputy HL Phillips
"The Falk monster is encrypted with a specific personality and a long localized history." — Henry Zebrowski
"It's like the biggest folklore that America is great and built with good intentions." — Ben Kissel
This episode of Last Podcast on the Left investigates the legend of the Falk Monster, also known as the Beast of Boggy Creek, a cryptid associated with the Texarkana, Arkansas area. The hosts explore the creature's distinct characteristics, often described as leaner and meaner than other ape-like simians, with a specific local history. Early accounts suggest a connection to "wild men" inhabiting the swamps in the 1800s, with later modern sightings gaining traction in the mid-20th century. The narrative highlights how local law enforcement and citizens reacted to these reports, often with a mix of skepticism and concern, occasionally escalating to attempts to capture or confront the creature.
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the impact of Charles B. Pierce's 1972 faux-documentary film, "The Legend of Boggy Creek." This film is credited with popularizing the Falk Monster and is discussed as a pivotal moment that transformed the local legend into a broader cultural phenomenon. The hosts detail how the film's success led to increased tourism, local entrepreneurship centered around the creature (such as the Boggy Creek Cafe), and widespread media attention, including bounty offers for the monster's capture. The episode also touches upon the economic and social impacts of this sudden fame on the small town of Falk.
The discussion delves into various theories about the Falk Monster's origin, ranging from mass hysteria and misidentification of known animals to the possibility of a undiscovered hominid species. The hosts examine specific accounts, including those involving alleged interactions with hunters, ranchers, and the Ford family, detailing the creature's described physical attributes and behaviors. The episode concludes by reflecting on the enduring nature of such local legends, the role of media in shaping them, and the potential for them to represent a unique aspect of American folklore, irrespective of their factual basis.