Killer Ape ** (1953, Johnny Weissmuller, Carol Thurston, Max Palmer) – Classic Movie Review 7701

Spencer Gordon Bennet’s 1953 Killer Ape is the twelfth Jungle Jim film released by Columbia Pictures, with Johnny Weissmuller back for the twelfth time as adventurer Jungle Jim.

It also stars Paul Marion as Mahura, leader of the tribal Wazuli clan, Carol Thurston as Mahura’s daughter Shari, Burt Wenland as Shari’s spouse Ramada, Max Palmer as the Man Ape, Nestor Paiva, Eddie Foster, Rory Mallinson, Nick Stuart and Tamba the Chimp.

Written by Arthur Hoerl and Carroll Young, the film finds diabolical scientist Doctor Andrews (Nestor Paiva) testing germ warfare weapons on animals in Africa and Jungle Jim battling the ferocious Man Ape terrorising the jungle while trying to clear his name after he is framed of the murder of the African native providing the animals.

It was released in December 1953 and shot at the movie ranch Corriganville, the Ray Corrigan Ranch, Simi Valley, California. Corriganville’s owner, actor Ray ‘Crash’ Corrigan, makes a cameo appearance as Norley.

Killer Ape is directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet, runs 68 minutes, is made by The Katzman Corporation, is released by Columbia Pictures, is written by Carroll Young (story and screenplay) and Arthur Hoerl (screenplay), based on the comic strips created by Alex Raymond, produced by Sam Katzman, and is shot in black and white by William Whitley, scored by Mischa Bakaleinikoff (musical director / composer of stock music) and designed by Paul Palmentola.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7701

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