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The Ape Man

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Wikipedia article




and Bla Lugosi.

in full make-up.

'The Ape Man' is a 1943 American science-fiction horror film directed by William Beaudine. It stars Bela Lugosi as a doctor who, as a result of scientific experiments, transforms into a part-human/part-ape hybrid.

An in-title-only sequel, 'Return of the Ape Man', followed in 1944. It also starred Lugosi, along with John Carradine and George Zucco.

Plot



Dr. James Brewster and his colleague Dr. Randall are involved in a series of scientific experiments which have caused Brewster to transform into an ape-man. In an attempt to obtain a cure, Brewster must inject himself with recently drawn human spinal fluid. Reporter Jeff Carter and photographer Billie Mason are on assignment initially suggested by an odd man investigating the recent disappearance of Dr. Brewster.

Before interviewing Brewster's sister Agatha, a "ghost-hunter", they hear strange sounds outside the house. After Dr. Randall's butler is murdered and the only clue is a fistful of ape-like hair, Carter deduces that the ghostly sounds they heard may well have been from an ape. Carter returns to investigate further. Dr. Randall informs Agatha that he will not help her brother again and will go to the police if necessary. Needing more of the fluid as its effects are only temporary, Brewster and his gorilla go on a killing spree as the odd character appears yet again saving one of the potential victims.

Brewster returns to Dr. Randall demanding he inject the fluid. When Randall breaks the precious vial on the doctor's floor, the enraged Brewster strangles him. Carter and Mason return to Brewster's home separately. While cautiously investigating, Billie knocks Jeff unconscious. Dr. Brewster then carries the photographer off to his basement lab to again withdraw more spinal fluid. Carter regains consciousness and while he and the police attempt to break into the secret basement entrance, Brewster is attacked by the gorilla. The gorilla breaks Brewster's back, killing him. As Billie is let out of the secret room, the gorilla that followed her is shot by the police. Agatha enters the secret room and finds Brewster dead.

Jeff and Billie leave together and are met by the odd character who is sitting in Jeff's car. When Jeff finally asks who he is, the man replies "Me? I'm the author of the story!" He then breaks the fourth wall by quoting "Screwy idea, wasn't it?" The author then rolls up the car window as the words "THE END" appears on the glass.

Cast



Production



The film was originally known as 'The Gorilla Strikes'.

Filming began 18 December 1942 and took 15 days. Louise Currie replaced Amelita Ward.

Reception



The 'Los Angeles Times' said "chill chasers will get a tremendous thrill out of the picture, while the more detached will obtain laughs out of the slyly satirical moments."

References



* Wingrove, David. 'Science Fiction Film Source Book' (Longman Group Limited, 1985)

* Halliwell, Leslie. 'Halliwell's Film & Video Guide 2002' (HarperCollins'Entertainment', 2002), edited by John Walker


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