Murders in the Zoo

Lionel Atwill's name is often included with those of the other horror legends of the 30s, the big, most popular Gruesome Twosome being KARLOFF and LUGOSI, as they were often billed in their films, as well as the also-Hungarian Peter Lorre. While the majority of the horror films involving the latter three were played deadly serious (no matter how hokey the films really were), most of Atwill's outings emphasized physical comedy over straight out horror, with Exhibit A and B being "Doctor X" and "The Vampire Bat", both fun films in their own right. "Murders in the Zoo", like "Doctor X", has more than its fair helping of slapstick humor courtesy the wise-cracking and comical journalist character, played here by Charles Ruggles. But this is also Mr. Atwill's most menacing, maniacal role, as a homicidal millionaire animal enthusiast who kills off men whom he catches having an affair with his wife. After the first lover has his hands tied and his mouth sewn shut and is left to die in the jungle, you'd think she'd learn. The movie, which was considered a lost film for a long while, looks and sounds excellent, and has some surprisingly violent animal attack scenes. A disappointment is the absence of any bonus feature or commentary track on the DVD, which options consist of >>PLAY MOVIE<< and nothing else. For $22 I was hoping for a little something extra, but the movie itself is a found gem that is recommended to all fans of classic horror.

Although this movie is concerning murders of jealousy, I think you will find this film unique. I will NOT attempt to tell this story but will tempt you in perhaps getting up your interest in purchasing this unusual mystery. Lionel Atwill is a very jealous husband and finds ways in getting even with men who like his wife. This also a very early movie for the renowned Randolph Scott who portrays the zoo biologist. Charlie Ruggles is the zoo publicity man who adds a little comedy. This is a good film that has a blend of horror and some humor.

Shivers! Lionel Atwill is a murderous owner of a small zoo. Married to the beautiful Kathleen Burke, he slowly kills each man that flirts with his wife. A giant green mamba, lions and tigers. All are unleased on the men who want to kiss his wife. Very violent for its time, Murders in the Zoo" could not been made just six months later. The new movie Production Code banned raw violence for years in 1934. Hollywood never saw anything like this for years. That is, not until Quentin Tarantino....

The acting is marginal, the story is interesting, and suspense good. The movie opens with a man with his mouth stitched shut (so he'll never tell another lie or kiss another man's wife) and proceeds from there. The villian is given to melodramatic pauses and leers, but that just adds to the fun. The PR man provides some good comic relief.As a side-light, it's interesting to see how zoos used to look.All in all, a nice little diversion.

I love old black and white mysteries and thrillers.

A jealous husband goes after his wife who he thinks is cheating. He is a zoologist and plots to kill her using one his latest zoo animals

Great old movie suspense

I am pleased with my product