THE GORILLA (1939) *1/2 In which it is suggested that Bela Lugosi may have killed Shakespeare. Could that be right, on some level? I wonder. It's all pretty clamorous, for half an hour or so, what with the Ritz Brothers (a hybrid of the Three Stooges, Abbott & Costello, and Gene Wilder, but lacking the greater aspects of each) and Bela Lugosi and Lionel Atwill effectively playing hide 'n' seek in a big ol' mansion full of corridors (oops, I told! don't worry, you would have figured it out). With the likelihood of an appearance by a gorilla at some point, things look promising. The Brothers are funny, and Bela has never looked more smug in every frame, as a butler. Whether he's amused with himself or the others is an open issue, but something has him towards the edge of hysterics, a truly terrifying concept. But then everyone keeps doing the same thing over and over, which is probably going to get a little old for all but the most enthusiastic fan club members. The concluding moments spring enough surprises to interrupt your nap, which is either good or bad depending on how you look at it.
back to Brilliant Observations on 1776 Films home
go back home, or send me email
no more reviews! I want to buy your novel!