Gorilla at Large is a mystery-thriller set against the eerie backdrop of a carnival, where a giant gorilla named Goliath becomes the center of a murder investigation. When a trapeze artist is found dead, suspicion falls on both human and beast, as a police detective tries to untangle a web of jealousy, greed, and illusion.
Genre: Crime / Mystery / Horror
Director: Harmon Jones
Harmon Jones was a Canadian-American film editor and director active during the 1940s through the 1960s. Originally a skilled editor on notable films such as Gentleman’s Agreement, he transitioned into directing with a focus on low-budget thrillers, comedies, and Westerns. His direction often favored straightforward storytelling and efficient pacing.
Star Cast:
- Cameron Mitchell as Joey Matthews
- Anne Bancroft as Laverne Miller
- Raymond Burr as Cy Miller
- Lee J. Cobb as Detective Sergeant Garrison
- Charlotte Austin as Audrey Baxter
Gorilla at Large was released in 3D during a period when the format was experiencing a brief popularity boom in the 1950s. It garnered attention for its gimmick and carnival setting but was met with lukewarm reviews, praised more for its novelty than its story. It later gained cult status for its blend of noir tropes and monster movie elements.
Fun Facts:
- This was one of the first 3D films made by 20th Century Fox, adding visual flair to its funhouse setting.
- Anne Bancroft, who would later become an Academy Award-winning actress, was early in her career and added considerable allure to the film.
- The gorilla costume was reused from other Hollywood productions, and its obvious artificiality has since become part of the film’s campy charm.
- Shot on the Fox backlot, the carnival sets were elaborate and helped elevate the film above typical B-movie aesthetics.
- Raymond Burr, later famous for playing Perry Mason, portrayed a brooding suspect, adding to the film’s atmosphere of suspicion and menace.
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