The swamp horror film Creature, which opened in America last weekend, has set a new record for the lowest box-office takings ever. To mark this dubious accolade, here's a brief guide to its star:

• The creature, named Lockjaw, is half-human, half-alligator and – judging by the film's trailer – all latex.

• Lockjaw may or may not have his murky origins in an inbred man named Grimley, who was driven mad after losing his family to an alligator attack.

• He talks in a low, gurgling growl, and by gnashing his enormous teeth, though how he manages to do so when his face is set in a rubber rictus grin is a mystery.

• He meets his comeuppance in the final scenes by disappearing down a conveniently placed sinkhole, which is also exactly where this film appears to be heading. The film took just ($220) £139 on average at each cinema in its first three days. Each screening was watched by an average of six people.