Cinema Revisited: King of the Zombies (1941)

Directed by Jean Yarbrough. Cast: Dick Purcell, Joan Woodbury, Mantan Moreland, Henry Victor, John Archer, Patricia Stacey, Guy Usher, Marguerite Whitten, Leigh Whipper, Madame Sul-Te-Wan, James Davis, Laurence Criner. Released May 14, 1941. 67 minutes.

Henry Victor is obviously channeling Bela Lugosi, and Mantan Moreland's comic relief steals the movie right out from under the stars in "King of the Zombies." Lugosi was slated to play the role of Dr. Sangre, and it was specifically written for his talents. However, when he became unavailable, and attempts to get Peter Lorre failed (he wanted too much money) Henry Victor was hired the day before the movie went into production.

"King of the Zombies" was original slated to be a straight up horror film with Lugosi, but the Bob Hope zombie feature "The Ghost Breakers" became a huge hit, the decision was made to add comedy. Mantan Moreland was hired to play not only his scare comedy but also throw out a few one-liners. When he hears jungle drums off in the distance, Mantan quips "It ain't Gene Krupa!" And at one point he says, "If there's one thing that I wouldn't want to be twice, zombies is both of 'em." It's a big laugh when he states, "Zombies is dead people that is too lazy to lay down!"

The plot about two pilots in separate plane crashes ending up in a creepy house where zombie experiments are being done, does play pretty well as a straight-up horror movie, but Henry Victor is no Bela Lugosi. Dick Purcell, John Archer, and Joan Woodbury are sufficiently talented and competent. The use of available sets for cost-cutting works out well.

"King of the Zombies" turns out to be a genuinely exciting zombie movie that is bolstered by Mantan Moreland's comedy. It's B-movie trappings add to the charm, and director Jean Yarbrough benefits from his experience with low budget movies and with comedy.

This is also the only zombie movie to get an Oscar nomination. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Music Score. A makeshift sequel, Revenge of the Zombies, was made a couple of years later with Mantan reprising his role.