Gorilla, The

The Gorilla was a genre mélange from Allan Dwan, in which he teamed up the sinister genius of Bela Lugosi with the riotous humor of the three Ritz Brothers. In the best tradition of vintage whodunit, the entire action takes place within a sprawling mansion that is riddled with secret panels and shifting shadows. Inspired direction and camerawork ensures that the viewer is torn between uncontrollable laughter and nail-biting suspense. Bela Lugosi underplays his part of the enigmatic butler with accomplished panache, and the script is peppered with hysterically funny one-liners and comebacks from the clueless detective trio and the maid Kitty. This wonderful feature film is a vintage masterpiece that has not lost its appeal since its release in the last century.

A deliciously funny feature film by avant garde director Allan Dwan. This 1939 classic switches between rollicking comedy by the inimitable Ritz brothers and true elements of mystery and suspense.