The Gorilla

Plot

When wealthy businessman Cyrus Stevens is found murdered in his locked study, his daughter Norma receives a threatening note signed 'The Gorilla,' the same name as an escaped circus ape terrorizing the city. Fearing for her life, Norma's suitor and attorney Walter Stevens hires the bumbling detective trio of Garrity, Harrigan, and Mullivan (The Ritz Brothers) as bodyguards. As the detectives comically bungle their investigation, more murders occur, and it becomes clear that someone is using the gorilla's escape as a cover for their own nefarious schemes. The trio must navigate a house full of secret passages, suspicious servants, and a real gorilla to unmask the killer before Norma becomes the next victim. In a chaotic climax, the detectives' incompetence somehow leads to the truth being revealed, proving that even the most unlikely heroes can save the day.

Historical Background

Released in October 1939, 'The Gorilla' emerged during Hollywood's Golden Age but at a transitional moment in American cinema. The film industry was evolving from the screwball comedy dominance of the mid-1930s toward more genre-blending approaches. 1939 is often considered Hollywood's greatest year, producing classics like 'Gone with the Wind,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' and 'Stagecoach,' making it challenging for modest B-pictures to stand out. The film capitalized on two popular trends: comedy teams and 'old dark house' mysteries. The Ritz Brothers were part of the comedy team boom that included The Marx Brothers, Abbott and Costello, and The Three Stooges. Meanwhile, the 'old dark house' genre, mixing mystery with comedy, had been popular since the early 1930s with films like 'The Old Dark House' (1932) and would continue through the 1940s. The film also reflected contemporary fascination with exotic animals and circuses, which remained popular entertainment forms before television's rise.

Making Of

The production of 'The Gorilla' exemplified RKO's B-unit efficiency under producer Pandro S. Berman. Director Allan Dwan, a Hollywood veteran since the silent era, was tasked with blending comedy with mystery elements, a popular formula at the time. The Ritz Brothers, known for their chaotic ad-libbing style, frequently clashed with the more structured approach of Dwan, leading to tension on set. Lionel Atwill, playing the butler, was a horror film veteran and reportedly took his role seriously despite the comedic context. The film's gorilla was played by Charles Gemora, a renowned animal suit performer who specialized in ape roles throughout the 1930s and 1940s. The mansion set was redressed from previous RKO productions, a common cost-saving measure. The film's rapid 18-day shooting schedule meant many scenes were shot in single takes, preserving some of The Ritz Brothers' spontaneous comedy but also resulting in continuity errors visible in the final cut.

Visual Style

The cinematography, handled by Jack MacKenzie, employed standard high-contrast black and white lighting typical of RKO's B-unit productions. The film utilized dramatic shadow play during the mystery sequences, particularly in the mansion's corridors and secret passages, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of film noir techniques that would emerge later in the 1940s. MacKenzie employed low-angle shots during the gorilla appearances to enhance the creature's imposing presence, while comedy sequences featured more conventional, flat lighting to ensure the Ritz Brothers' physical gags were clearly visible. The camera work was functional rather than innovative, with most scenes captured using static or minimally mobile setups to accommodate the rapid shooting schedule. The film's visual style effectively balanced the eerie atmosphere required by the mystery elements with the clarity needed for the comedy sequences.

Innovations

While 'The Gorilla' was not a groundbreaking technical achievement, it demonstrated RKO's efficient B-unit production capabilities. The film's most notable technical element was the gorilla suit, created by RKO's special effects department under the supervision of Vernon L. Walker. The suit featured articulated facial features and realistic fur texture, representing the state of the art in creature effects for 1939. The film's practical effects, including secret passages and disappearing tricks, were accomplished through simple but effective stagecraft techniques. The production made innovative use of RKO's standing sets, redressing them to create the illusion of an expensive production on a modest budget. The film's rapid 18-day shooting schedule demonstrated the efficiency of the studio system's production methods, with the unit completing multiple camera setups per day while maintaining acceptable technical quality.

Music

The musical score was composed by Roy Webb, RKO's prolific house composer who worked on over 200 films for the studio. Webb's music alternated between suspenseful orchestral themes during mystery sequences and lighter, jazz-influenced pieces for the comedy moments. The film featured several musical numbers showcasing The Ritz Brothers' vaudeville talents, including their signature dance routines and harmonizing. These musical interludes, while not advancing the plot, were expected elements of comedy team pictures of the era. The sound design emphasized the gorilla's menacing presence through deep, resonant effects and heavy footsteps, creating an auditory contrast with the high-pitched, rapid-fire dialogue of the comedy sequences. The film's audio quality was typical of RKO's productions of the period, with clear dialogue recording and effective use of sound effects to enhance both suspense and humor.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening scene where The Ritz Brothers attempt to demonstrate their detective skills by 'solving' a mock crime in their office, resulting in complete chaos and destroyed furniture
• The dinner sequence where the trio tries to act as sophisticated bodyguards while comically failing at proper table manners
• The climactic chase scene through the mansion's secret passages, with all three detectives and the gorilla creating a slapstick spectacle of confusion
• The scene where The Ritz Brothers attempt to capture the gorilla using improvised traps made from household items

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception was lukewarm, with most reviewers acknowledging The Ritz Brothers' comedic talents while criticizing the film's formulaic plot. The New York Times noted that 'the Ritz boys provide their usual brand of chaotic comedy, but even their antics can't entirely rescue this creaky mystery.' Variety praised the film's pacing but found the mystery elements 'predictable and uninspired.' Modern reassessments have been somewhat kinder, with film historians recognizing the movie as a representative example of the B-movie comedy-horror genre. The film is often cited in studies of 1930s comedy teams and the evolution of horror-comedy blending. Some contemporary critics have noted that the film's rapid pacing and 68-minute runtime make it more watchable than many of its contemporaries, even if it lacks the brilliance of the era's A-list comedies.

What Audiences Thought

Audience reception in 1939 was generally positive among fans of The Ritz Brothers, who appreciated the team's signature brand of physical comedy and musical interludes. The film performed adequately in urban markets where comedy teams had strong followings, though it struggled in smaller markets where audiences preferred more straightforward mysteries or dramas. The gorilla element proved particularly popular with younger audiences, a demographic that comedy teams often targeted. Modern audiences encountering the film through television and streaming have found it to be a time capsule of 1930s comedy sensibilities, with some appreciating its historical value while others find the humor dated. The film has developed a modest cult following among classic comedy enthusiasts and is occasionally screened at film festivals specializing in Hollywood's Golden Age.

You Might Also Like