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Bela Lugosi in a gorilla suit. That's it, that's the movie.
TMDB
43
IMDb
44
Google
77
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The Ape Man (1943)

B-movie chaosSo bad it's good1940s schlock

Overview

HorrorScience FictionCrime

A scientist is turned into an ape man.

Flag of USUS
Content warning
mad scientist
Hubris of scienceLoss of humanitySibling codependencyExploitation of disability

Standout Aspects

Acting

Bela Lugosi fully commits to hunchbacked gorilla-man dignity.

Practical Effects

The ape suit: visibly zipper-backed, heroically unconvincing.

Writing

Dialogue so wooden you could build a raft.

Best for:Friends: Mystery Science Theater-style roast with your snarkiest pals.·Solo: When you need to feel better about your own life choices.·Rewatch: Cult classic status for Lugosi completists only.
Heads up:Emotional: Watching Lugosi's declining career is unintentionally heartbreaking.
William Beaudine

Director

William Beaudine

ReleasedMar 5, 1943
Runtime1h 4m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacefast
Intensitymedium
Tonelight
Feellight
Monogram Pictures
Sam Katzman Productions

Top Cast

Bela Lugosi

Bela Lugosi

Dr. James Brewster

Louise Currie

Louise Currie

Billie Mason

Wallace Ford

Wallace Ford

Jeff Carter

Henry Hall

Henry Hall

Dr. George Randall

Minerva Urecal

Minerva Urecal

Agatha Brewster

Emil Van Horn

Emil Van Horn

The Ape

J. Farrell MacDonald

J. Farrell MacDonald

Captain O'Brien

Wheeler Oakman

Wheeler Oakman

Brady

Jack Mulhall

Jack Mulhall

Reporter

Charles Jordan

Charles Jordan

O'Toole

Charlie Hall

Charlie Hall

Barney

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

Bela Lugosi filmed this during his infamous Monogram Pictures period, a low point that preceded his Ed Wood collaboration.

Cultural

This film belongs to the 'mad scientist + ape' micro-genre of 1940s poverty row horror, capitalizing on Lugosi's fading Dracula fame.

YouTube

Bela Lugosi - The Ape Man - Trailer

Bela Lugosi - The Ape Man - Trailer

Gallery

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The Ape Man Collection(2 films)
The Ape Man poster
Now Viewing

The Ape Man

1943

Return of the Ape Man poster5.4

Return of the Ape Man

1944

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