Cast
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Bela Lugosi
as Dr. Zabor
Duke Mitchell
as Himself
Sammy Petrillo
as Himself
Charlita
as Nona
Muriel Landers
as Saloma
Al Kikume
as Chief Rakos
Mickey Simpson
as Chula
Milton Newberger
as Bongo the Witch Doctor
Martín Garralaga
as Pepe Bordo / Waiter
Steve Calvert
as Gorilla
Ray Corrigan
as Gorilla
Billy Wilkerson
as Native Warrior
Crew
Director
- William Beaudine
Writer
- Tim Ryan
Producer
- Maurice Duke
Reviews
MikeyForearms
One star for Ramona the Chimp.
Apr 5, 2020
Thematic Analysis
This Comedy/Science Fiction/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director William Beaudine brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1952, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1685 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 240 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1952, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Thunderbolts*, which focuses more on action than character development, Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge and Dragonfly explore similar territory, Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 4, 1952
- Runtime: 1h 14m
Where to Watch
