Review of Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla (1952) by Jessica H — 12 Oct 2009

Bela's performance in this is actually quite good, despite the material being clearly inferior. Given the comedic nature and some very lengthy scientific monologues, he avoids the usual criticism leveled against him of being overly stagey. Instead, he appears naturally clever and in on the joke.

The thing is, you have to sit through the unbearable antics and poor singing of the two worst Martin & Lewis imitators I have ever seen. Duke Mitchell's singing voice is actually improved by being projected through a gorilla mask, and one only wishes that Petrillo was similarly muzzled after being locked in with a lovelorn chimp.