Captive Wild Woman
Captive Wild Woman

Movie spotlight

Captive Wild Woman

1943
Movie
61 min
English

An insane scientist doing experimentation in glandular research becomes obsessed with transforming a female gorilla into a human...even though it costs human life.

Insights

IMDb5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes30%
Director: Edward DmytrykGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A sinister scientist, Dr. Francis Morrell, obsessed with transforming a woman into a gorilla, succeeds in his experiment by transferring the consciousness of his assistant, Paula Dupree, into the body of a female gorilla named Betsy. However, Betsy retains Paula's vengeful human mind, leading to a series of brutal attacks on anyone who crosses her. Morrell attempts to revert the transformation and control the beastly woman, but his efforts are met with savage resistance.

Critical Reception

Captive Wild Woman is a low-budget, B-movie horror film that is often remembered for its campy premise and the unique performance of Acquanetta. While not critically acclaimed upon release, it has gained a cult following over the years for its exploitative elements and its place in the annals of classic monster movies.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its bizarre premise and Acquanetta's memorable portrayal.

  • Criticized for its low production values and predictable plot.

  • Considered a cult classic for its campy horror elements.

Google audience: Audience reviews are generally mixed, with some appreciating its vintage horror charm and unique 'ape-woman' concept, while others find it dated and lacking in genuine scares.

Fun Fact

The film famously features the then-unknown future Academy Award-winning director Edward Dmytryk, who directed it early in his career before achieving greater fame with films like 'The Caine Mutiny' and 'The Defiant Ones'.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

ohn Carradine is a scientist bent on discovering a way to morph animals into people - quite why, we are not sure - and so when he develops a method that involves transplanting human glands into the beasties, his loyal nurse is horrified. Un...

JPV852

JPV852

Middling 1940s horror movie with John Carradine playing a mad scientist converting an ape into a woman. Could've made for a cheesy entertaining film that I couldn't enjoy with the clear animal abuse; fine for the times I know, but was at ti...

John Chard

John Chard

Universal programmer proves to be a mixed bag. Dr. Walters (John Carradine) has made great strides in his field of glandular transplants. But as his work progresses, the more unhinged his approach to his science becomes. Stealing a tame ...