King of the Zombies

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King of the Zombies

Released May 14, 1941

1h 7m

Horror

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2 Reviews

40%

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1,000+ Ratings

During World War II, James Mac McCarthy (Dick Purcell) is piloting a plane over the Caribbean when he's forced to crash-land on an island. Along with passenger Bill Summers (John Archer) and his servant, Mac happens upon Dr. Sangre's (Henry Victor) mansion, where the group is offered lodging. The visitors soon uncover Sangre's terrifying secret when they see him performing voodoo on a group of zombies in the cellar. The men must escape with Sangre's niece (Joan Woodbury) in tow.

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Lackluster zombie farce.

Rated: C

Dec 10, 2007

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Rob Humanick

Projection Booth

A work of slapped-together, audience-pleasing basics.

Rated: C+

Oct 13, 2007

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Chris M

Again what was with movies back in the 1940s, did the Hays commission have a rule that movies can't be longer than 70 minutes? Unlike some short movies at this time this was actually entertaining in the tiny time it's running. Plot wise not much happens. Kinda slow too pacing wise. But the character of Jeff makes the movie worth checking out. Mantan Moreland was amazing. He made the movie funny. I think the movie would have failed if Mantan Moreland wasn't in it.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/15/22

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Ludo S

Hilarious and very cheesy zombie movie. Most notable about this is Mantan Moreland as the very funny, jittery character who really steals the show here. The film is short, not necessarily very scary, with some of the most tame zombies you'll ever see in a film. Worth watching.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/09/22

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Audience Member

Cheap B-movie with better than average quips & scenarios as it pokes a bit of fun at zombies, Nazies, racial slurs, and obtuse situations; which were all staple plot devices in late 1930's early 40's American cinema. The early SNL cast should have a reunion remaking this film.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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Audience Member

Not the greatest of zombies film, but it's original.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

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Audience Member

What's not to love in this movie! Great comedy by Mantan Moreland, and reaalitivoey good acting all around. This movie was awesome. I just wish the camera angles were better, and that we got to of seen more of the island. The story kept you interested all the way through. Never a dull moment. Also this movie is interesting to watch because of the way zombies were protracted back then. Instead of zombies coming from a virus like they do today back in 1941 it was all voodoo which is cool to see.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

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Audience Member

good WWII horror classic

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

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Jean Yarbrough

Director

Dick Purcell

James "Mac" McCarthy

Joan Woodbury

Barbara Winslow

Henry Victor

Dr. Miklos Sangre

Mantan Moreland

Jefferson "Jeff" Jackson

John Archer

Bill Summers

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Synopsis

During World War II, James Mac McCarthy (Dick Purcell) is piloting a plane over the Caribbean when he's forced to crash-land on an island. Along with passenger Bill Summers (John Archer) and his servant, Mac happens upon Dr. Sangre's (Henry Victor) mansion, where the group is offered lodging. The visitors soon uncover Sangre's terrifying secret when they see him performing voodoo on a group of zombies in the cellar. The men must escape with Sangre's niece (Joan Woodbury) in tow.

Director: Jean Yarbrough
Producer: Lindsley Parsons
Screenwriter: Edmond Kelso
Distributor: Monogram Pictures Corporation
Production Co: Monogram Pictures Corporation
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 14, 1941, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 4, 2013
Runtime: 1h 7m

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