"Creature from the Black Lagoon" was one of many monster movies produced by Universal Studios in the mid-20th century and was arguably one of the most influential. Inspired by "Beauty and the Beast," its basic plot centered on a half-fish, half-human creature known as the Creature or the Gill-man. Make-up artists Millicent Patrick and Bud Westmore designed the Gill-man, and the suit was made from airtight molded sponge rubber. In all three films, Ricou Browning portrayed the Gill-man and developed an unusual method of swimming and moving that made the creature seem humanoid yet distinctly not human. Browning later became a member of the public relations team at Silver Springs and directed many underwater TV shows and movies there, including "Sea Hunt" and "Thunderball." Although the films were shot mostly in California, many scenes were filmed on location in Florida at Wakulla Springs, Green Cove Springs, Rainbow Springs, Marineland, and Silver Springs.