The Ape Man is a 1943 Horror film Science fiction film starring Bela Lugosi and directed by William Beaudine. The film follows the tale of a part human part ape.
A sequel, in name only, called
Return of the Ape Man, followed in 1944, one year later after this film and starred Bela Lugosi, John Carradine and George Zucco.
Plot
Dr. James Brewster (Bela Lugosi) and his colleague Dr. Randall (Henry Hall (actor)) are involved in a series of scientific experiments which have caused him to transform into an ape-man. In an attempt to obtain a cure Brewster believes that it will be necessary to inject himself with recently drawn human spinal fluid. When Randall uses to help him by providing the fluid, Brewster and his captive gorilla must attempt to find an appropriate donor.
Cast
{| class="wikitable"
! Actor
! Role
|-
| Bela Lugosi || Dr. James Brewster
|-
| Louise Currie || Billie Mason
|-
| Wallace Ford || Jeff Carter
|-
| Henry Hall (actor) || Dr. George Randall
|-
| Minerva Urecal || Agatha Brewster
|-
| Emil Van Horn || The Ape
|-
| J. Farrell MacDonald || Police Capt. O'Brien
|-
| Wheeler Oakman || Det. Brady
|-
| Ralph Littlefield || The Strange Little Man*
|-
| Jack Mulhall || Reporter
|-
| Charles Jordan || Det. O'Toole
|-
| Charlie Hall (actor) || Barney (the Photographer
|-
| George Kirby || Detective #1
|-
| Ray Miller (actor) || Reporter
|-
| Ernest Morrison || Copyboy
|-
| William Ruhlas Martin || Editor
|}
NB - Ralph Littlefield's character is often misleadingly called "Zippo". In fact the character has no name in the movie, but is rather a comically dressed, odd-acting little man who appears at various times during the story, his purpose unclear. At the very end of the film, he claims to be its scenarist. This is intended as a humorous surprise revelation. Why the name "Zippo" was invented and used in the film's publicity, much less later copied without comment in literary and internet filmographies, is unknown.
- Wingrove, David. Science Fiction Film Source Book (Longman Group Limited, 1985)
- Halliwell, Leslie. Halliwell's Film & Video Guide 2002 (HarperCollinsEntertainment, 2002), edited by John Walker
Category:1943 films
Category:1940s horror films
Category:Mad scientist films
Category:Monster movies
Category:1940s science fiction horror films
Category:Monogram Pictures films
Category:Films directed by William Beaudine
Category:Pre-1950 science fiction films