The Gorilla

The Gorilla is an entertaining black and white comedy mystery film from 1939, featuring the tremendous talents of The Ritz Brothers — Al Ritz, Jimmy Ritz, and Harry Ritz. The three funny men were a popular comedic act in their time, known for their slapstick humor and timing, and they bring their unique brand of comedy to this film. The plot is a blend of mystery, humor, and suspense, set within a haunted mansion where strange events start happening, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Directed by Allan Dwan and produced by 20th Century Fox, The Gorilla is an adaptation of the play by Ralph Spence. The film springs into life when Walter Stevens, a wealthy man, receives a death threat from a mysterious entity known as "The Gorilla." The threat adds chaos to his life, and in fear of being murdered, he hires three bodyguards, played by the Ritz Brothers, who inject comedic relief throughout the tension-filled premise.

The leading trio work as private detectives turned bodyguards who, in truth, are much more afraid of the danger than their employer himself. The film showcases their comic timing brilliantly as they deal with the terrifying situations unfolding while working together to solve the bewildering mystery of 'The Gorilla.'

Adding to the eerie atmosphere is Walter Stevens' mansion, wonderfully detailed and shot to embody a haunted house. In tandem with the overall somber mood, the film employs a creepy butler played by the acclaimed Bela Lugosi, further strengthening the horror-comedy elements of the film.

Anita Louise plays the lead female role as Walter's charming niece Norma. Her stellar performance adds an element of suspense and intrigue while remaining a vital part of the narrative. Wrestler Lionel Atwill, on the other hand, provides a sterling performance as the fearful victim, Walter Stevens, further complementing the film's comedy-horror genre.

Albeit The Gorilla is not meant to terrify but to entertain. It strikes a fine balance by crafting an intriguing mystery within an eerie setting but diffusing the horror with the Ritz Brothers' comedy. The jokes and humorous sequences in the film are typically a product of the fear and misunderstanding of the characters, offering a laugh-out-loud atmosphere to the audience.

Furthermore, what makes this film universally appealing is its ability to maintain a lighthearted tone while steering clear of mindless comedy. It offers numerous comedic moments while keeping viewers gripped in the quest to uncover the mystery behind the elusive 'Gorilla.' The disparate character quirks come together in an unbelievable series of events leading to a grand finale, which, though devoid of conventional horror, offers an exciting climax laden with suspense and comedy.

The cinematography adds to the overall ambience of the film and the score perfectly balances the comedic and suspenseful moments. The performances by The Ritz Brothers are an undeniable highlight of the film. They effortlessly blend humor into their roles while lending credibility to their performances as newbie detectives.

As for the mystery element, 'The Gorilla' poses as a masked threat throughout the film, appearing and disappearing, while constantly veiling the film under an umbrella of anticipation about its identity, leading to a fascination for the audience alongside fuelling the true essence of this endearing comedy-mystery film.

In all, 'The Gorilla' (1939) is a delightful blend of comedy, suspense, and element of horror. Combining the Ritz Brothers' comic timing with an engaging plot and an atmospheric setting, the film successfully delivers a captivating old-world charm mixed with humor, keeping audience entertained and curious from start to the end. Even by today's standards, 'The Gorilla' holds as an archetype of classic-era Hollywood that attempted to blend distinctive genres like mystery and comedy in an entertaining package to the audiences.