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Sunday, May 24, 2020

Murders In The Zoo (1933)

A big game hunter and zoologist (Lionel Atwill) is insanely jealous of his beautiful wife (Kathleen Burke) and will stop at nothing including murder to keep her. When he suspects his wife of having a lover (John Lodge), he concocts a devious plan to dispose of him. Directed by A. Edward Sutherland (THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE). Unlike most other pre-code films of the era, this horror film is notable not for sex or sexual innuendos but for its shocking  (for its day) violence. If you have a fear of snakes, this is definitely not a film for you! If I was shocked, I imagine 1933 audiences were doubly so. Atwill creates one of his most villainous characters in a role he seems to fit like a glove. My only carp is the amount of time given to Charles Ruggles whose role is pure comedy relief. What a pity Atwill didn't do him in. With Randolph Scott, Gail Patrick and Harry Beresford.

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