The Gorilla (1939)

The Gorilla (1939)

Synopsis:

In The Gorilla (1939), a peculiar blend of comedy and mystery, a high-strung attorney seeks protection after receiving death threats and hearing of a murderous gorilla on the loose. The attorney hires three bumbling detectives—Garrity, Harrigan, and Mullivan—for security. Meanwhile, a young heiress finds herself in a web of danger, leading to a series of comedic and suspenseful events. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the threats aren’t what they seem, and the gorilla may not be the monster everyone assumes. With a mix of slapstick humor, quirky characters, and a twisty plot, the movie delivers lighthearted fun with a dash of intrigue.

Review:

Directed by Allan Dwan, The Gorilla is a campy and entertaining romp that leans heavily on the comedic chemistry of its trio of detectives. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, embracing the absurd premise with gusto. Despite the title and the promised thrills, the story skews toward humor, often at the expense of its mystery elements. The slapstick and rapid-fire dialogue feel reminiscent of vaudeville acts, which will appeal to fans of classic screwball comedies.

The movie's pacing is brisk, and its runtime of just over an hour ensures it doesn't overstay its welcome. However, its age shows in some outdated humor and predictable twists. Still, the film has a certain charm, largely due to the zany performances and the nostalgic atmosphere of 1930s cinema.

While The Gorilla may not rank among the best comedies or mysteries of its era, it offers enough entertainment for a light, whimsical watch.

Star Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

UK Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Given its mild comedic scares and lack of objectionable content, it would likely fall under a PG rating in today's UK classification system. Suitable for family viewing with younger audiences.

 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Birth of a Nation (1915)

Image
  The Birth of a Nation (1915) D.W. Griffith's The Birth of a Nation is a silent epic that intertwines the lives of two families during the American Civil War and Reconstruction: the Northern abolitionist Stonemans and the Southern landowning Camerons. The story begins with a depiction of the Civil War, showing the lives of both families as they navigate the upheaval of the time. Ben Cameron, a Confederate soldier, becomes enamored with Elsie Stoneman, the daughter of a Northern congressman. Their budding romance is complicated by the war's political and personal repercussions. In the second half, the focus shifts to the Reconstruction era, portraying the South under Northern occupation. The film controversially depicts African Americans (mostly played by white actors in blackface) as villains and caricatures, while elevating the Ku Klux Klan as saviors of the Southern way of life. Ben Cameron forms the Klan to combat what the film frames as corruption and disorder brought by ...
Read more

Driller Killer (1979)

Image
                                                   Driller Killer (1979) Abel Ferrara’s Driller Killer (1979) is a grimy, visceral exploration of psychological collapse, urban decay, and societal detachment. Directed by and starring Ferrara, the film follows Reno Miller, a struggling artist in New York City, who spirals into violent madness, targeting the city’s homeless population with a power drill. The film’s raw aesthetic, nihilistic tone, and disturbing imagery solidified its reputation as a provocative work, emblematic of the "video nasty" era. Plot and Themes The plot is a slow burn, focusing on Reno’s mounting frustrations: artistic failure, financial stress, and the oppressive noise of a punk band practicing nearby. His inner turmoil escalates into bloody outbursts, making his descent into madness both horrifying and pitiful. The gritty depiction o...
Read more

Angel City 1980 Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)

Image
 CLICK POSTER TO WATCH FULL MOVIE Angel City (1980) Set amidst the harsh realities of migrant labor camps in Florida, Angel City is a poignant drama adapted from Patrick Smith's novel of the same name. The story follows the Riley family, who migrate to Florida in search of a better life but find themselves trapped in exploitative working conditions. As they endure the struggles of poverty, backbreaking labor, and the oppressive environment of the camp, the film delves into themes of resilience, family bonds, and systemic injustice. It offers a stark look at the human cost of economic disparity, punctuated by moments of hope and defiance. Film Review: Angel City Angel City is an evocative portrayal of the hardships faced by migrant workers in 1980s America. Directed by Philip Leacock, who stepped in mid-production, the film retains an air of authenticity due to its location shoot in a real migrant labor camp. The narrative’s unflinching examination of inequality and exploitation is ...
Read more