Watch Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla

Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla is a 1952 horror-comedy movie that showcases the talents of Bela Lugosi - the famous Hungarian-American actor, best known for his role as Count Dracula in the 1931 vampire film. The plot of the movie revolves around two nightclub comedians named Duke Mitchell and Sammy Petrillo, who are stranded on a jungle island after their plane crashes during a performance tour. To their surprise, they come across a gorilla who not only speaks English but also turns out to be a big fan of their comedy routines. The two clowns soon realize that the gorilla is a human in disguise, and the man behind the mask is none other than Dr. Zabor, a mad scientist who has been performing bizarre experiments on humans to turn them into apes.

As the story unfolds, Duke and Sammy find themselves in increasingly absurd situations, from dodging the advances of a jealous native woman to performing a musical number with the gorilla as their backup dancer. Along the way, they also meet Bela Lugosi, who plays the role of a mysterious, dark-haired stranger named Dr. Zabor. With his piercing gaze and sinister aura, Lugosi's character adds an element of horror to the otherwise comedic movie.

One of the highlights of the movie is the chemistry between Duke Mitchell and Sammy Petrillo, who were a popular nightclub duo in the 1950s. Their banter and slapstick humor provide most of the laughs in the movie, and they play off each other with natural ease. Meanwhile, Bela Lugosi's performance as Dr. Zabor is suitably creepy and menacing, with his signature accent and theatrical flair.

The movie's production values are admittedly low, with cheap-looking sets and special effects that are now charmingly outdated. However, the movie's low-budget charm and playful spirit make it an enjoyable watch, especially for fans of classic horror-comedy.

Interestingly, the movie was released during the same year as Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd, which also followed the formula of pairing comedians with a well-known figure from the horror genre. Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla, however, has a distinct flavor all its own, with its zany humor and memorable characters.

In conclusion, Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla is an entertaining blend of horror and comedy that showcases the talents of Bela Lugosi, Duke Mitchell, and Sammy Petrillo. Fans of classic horror movies and vintage comedy will find much to enjoy in this quirky gem from the 1950s.

Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla is a 1952 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.7.