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King of the Zombies

Released May 14, 1941 1h 7m Horror List
Tomatometer 2 Reviews 41% Popcornmeter 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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King of the Zombies

Critics Reviews

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Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Lackluster zombie farce. Rated: C Dec 10, 2007 Full Review Rob Humanick Projection Booth A work of slapped-together, audience-pleasing basics. Rated: C+ Oct 13, 2007 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review william k Silly horror comedy with a dubious racist subplot softened by Mantan Moreland's hilarious performance. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review 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 Full Review Audience Member Not the greatest of zombies film, but it's original. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews
King of the Zombies

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King of the Zombies

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Movie Info

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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