Mini Movie Review: "Bride of the Gorilla" (1951)

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Raymond Burr turns into a gorilla? Yes. Years before "Perry Mason" fame, Burr was a character actor in countless B pictures and landed a starring role in the ultra low budget "Bride of the Gorilla" (1951). The film was the directorial debut of Curt Siodmak, a prolific screenwriter best known for "The Wolfman." The 65 minute film is pure hokum and beyond cheap appearing. The setting is a South American jungle plantation whose owner Van Gelder (Paul Cavanagh) is married to much younger blonde babe Dina (Barbara Payton). Surly plantation manager Barney (Burr) is having it off with both Dina and native girl Larina. After Van Gelder fires him, Barney confronts him and stands by while Van Gelder is fatally bitten by poisonous snakes. Old witch woman Al-Long witnesses and lays down a curse on Barney. Life is hunky dory for newlyweds Barney and Dina until he starts feeling funky. A monster has begun killing in the jungle. There is the implication all his transforming into a monster is in his mind. Only a few glimpses of a gorilla suit are seen. Actually it is supposed to be an ancient beast called a "succarat" not a gorilla. Lon Chaney Jr. is on hand as Police Commissioner Taro and Tom Conway as Dr. Viet. All proceeds as expected and there is little in the way of horror real or imagined. The most interesting aspect of "Bride of the Gorilla" is the cast. Horror star Chaney has a rare nice guy role. Conway was brother to more famous George Sanders. Payton was once a promising leading lady whose life ended as an alcoholic prostitute. Prior to fame as "Perry Mason" and "Ironside," Burr was a Hollywood heavy in the 1950s and "Bride of the Gorilla" is a fine example of this career phase.