The Ape Man (1943)

John Chard

4.0

Oct 23, 2015

Bela Goes Ape! William Beaudine directs and Bela Lugosi stars in this cheapie horror that finds Lugosi as a mad scientist who has transformed himself into an ape man hybrid. Cue more mad science as Lugosi and his pet gorilla go on a killing spree in search of the spinal fluid that may cure Lugosi of his ills... It's not to be taken seriously, of course, since it's all very goofy and over melodramatic. Lugosi does turn in some genuine moments of acting that hold the attention, whilst an array of energetic characters buzz in and out of the story. The science is nutty and the means and moti…

CinemaSerf

5.0

Dec 25, 2024

Well there was a war on, but even so - it's still a really rather daft sci-fi story that doesn't really do anyone any favours. "Brewster" (Bela Lugosi) and his pal "Randall" (Henry Hall) have been carrying out some experiments that have gone a bit awry leaving the former man a little more hirsute than he'd like. It seems the only cure is to inject spinal fluid into his body, but that has to come from a live victim and his pal isn't so keen on committing murder. That poses quite a quandary for "Brewster" and his sister - the scene-stealing, squealing, Minerva Urecal, especially as his search to…