The Gorilla

A group of vaudeville performers, including the zany Ritz Brothers, are hired to perform at a remote country estate. Upon arrival, they discover that the owner has been murdered, and the estate is rumored to be haunted by a menacing gorilla. The comedic trio must then try to solve the murder while evading the mysterious ape and the killer.

The Gorilla received mixed to negative reviews upon its release, with critics often finding the blend of horror and comedy to be jarring and unsuccessful. While the physical comedy of The Ritz Brothers provided some amusement, the film's attempts at suspense and horror, particularly with Bela Lugosi's presence, were largely undermined by a weak script and direction. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with many finding the plot convoluted and the scares ineffective.

• The film struggles to balance its comedic and horror elements, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience.

• The Ritz Brothers' slapstick antics are present but don't effectively integrate with the murder mystery plot.

• Bela Lugosi's role is underutilized, failing to bring the intended menace to the 'gorilla' aspect.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for 'The Gorilla (1939)' is not readily available, making it difficult to summarize audience sentiment.

Although Bela Lugosi is prominently featured in the film's advertising and marketing, his role as the "mastermind" is relatively small and his screen time is limited, primarily serving to add a touch of horror star power.