Watch The Ape

The Ape is a horror movie from the year 1940, directed by William Nigh, and stars Boris Karloff as Dr. Bernard Adrian, a scientist who has dedicated his life to finding a cure for polio. The plot revolves around Dr. Adrian's desperate need for human spinal fluids to use in his experiments, which he believes could hold the key to the cure.

After multiple failed attempts to get donors willing to sell their spinal fluid, the doctor turns to a more sinister method. He disguises himself as an ape-like creature and starts attacking the people of the neighborhood. His plan is to wound them, so they will be taken to his lab, where he can extract the spinal fluid he so desperately needs.

The plot becomes more complicated when Dr. Adrian falls in love with the sister of one of his victims, a young woman named Frances Clifford (Maris Wrixon). As they start to get closer, Dr. Adrian's conscience starts to weigh on him, and he must decide whether to continue his evil plan or confess all to Frances.

The Ape is not your typical horror movie of the time, as it focuses more on the character development of Dr. Adrian and the psychological effects of his actions. Boris Karloff delivers a phenomenal performance, skilled in portraying the complex and tormented character of Dr. Adrian. The supporting cast also does an excellent job, particularly Maris Wrixon, who is equally convincing in her role as the naive and compassionate Frances.

The film's atmosphere is dark and foreboding, with a lot of scenes taking place in the doctor's laboratory, which is filled with cages and equipment that seem to have been taken right out of a mad scientist's lair. The transformation scenes, where Dr. Adrian changes into the ape-like creature, are well executed, and the makeup and prosthetics used to create the creature are realistic for the time.

One of the movie's strengths is that it doesn't rely on cheap scares or jump-scares to create tension. Instead, it builds suspense through the characters' interactions and the viewer's understanding of the situation's peril. The Ape is a thought-provoking movie that raises ethical questions about science, sacrifice, and the dark side of ambition.

Overall, The Ape is a worthy addition to the horror genre, and it's clear why it has become a classic. The film is well written, well acted, and well executed, creating an unsettling and suspenseful atmosphere that will stay with you long after the credits roll. If you're a fan of classic horror movies or Boris Karloff, this is a must-see.

The Ape is a 1940 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.