Is The Gorilla Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Gorilla is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 68 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Gorilla Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1939, The Gorilla enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on When an escaped circus gorilla appears to have gone on a murderous rampage, a threatened attorney calls on the detective trio of Garrity, Harrigan and Mullivan to act as bodyguards. Under the direction of Allan Dwan, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Jimmy Ritz. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Gorilla offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Gorilla resonates with current cultural themes in the Comedy space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, The Gorilla is available for streaming on Cultpix. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Gorilla centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape. When an escaped circus gorilla appears to have gone on a murderous rampage, a threatened attorney calls on the detective trio of Garrity, Harrigan and Mullivan to act as bodyguards. In short order, we discover that there is more to the attorney than meets the eye, and the ape may be innocent after all. When a pretty young heiress faces peril, it's up to our heroic trio to save the day. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1939 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Gorilla has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Gorilla sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Gorilla (1939): with an audience rating of 4.6/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Comedy, Mystery, Horror cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch The Gorilla Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
CultpixParents Guide & Age Rating
The Gorilla is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Gorilla stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1939 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Gorilla movie hit or flop?
The Gorilla is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.6/10 and lower collections.
Is The Gorilla worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.6/10, The Gorilla may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Gorilla online?
The Gorilla is currently available for streaming on Cultpix. You can also check for it on platforms like Cultpix depending on your region.
Explore More Verdicts
More with Jimmy Ritz
View full filmography
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Gorilla movie hit or flop?
The Gorilla is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.6/10 and lower collections.
Is The Gorilla worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.6/10, The Gorilla may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Gorilla online?
The Gorilla is currently available for streaming on Cultpix. You can also check for it on platforms like Cultpix depending on your region.
What is the story of The Gorilla?
The Gorilla is a Comedy, Mystery, Horror movie that follows: When an escaped circus gorilla appears to have gone on a murderous rampage, a threatened attorney calls on the detective trio of Garrity, Harrigan and Mullivan to act as bodyguards. In short order, w...
Is The Gorilla family friendly?
Yes, The Gorilla is generally suitable for family viewing as it is a Comedy, Mystery, Horror movie.
What language is The Gorilla available in?
The Gorilla is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
When an escaped circus gorilla appears to have gone on a murderous rampage, a threatened attorney calls on the detective trio of Garrity, Harrigan and Mullivan to act as bodyguards. In short order, we discover that there is more to the attorney than meets the eye, and the ape may be innocent after all. When a pretty young heiress faces peril, it's up to our heroic trio to save the day.
Critic Reviews
Lionel Atwill is the wealthy "Walter Stephens" whose life has been threatened by the sinister "Gorilla". To thwart this, he engages the services of the "Defective Detectives" (Jimmy, Harry & Al Ritz) and what ensues is a slapstick horror movie with a man in a gorilla suit (or, could it be an actual ape?) and some pretty corny set piece comedy sketches strung together around Atwill and a rather under-used Bela Lugosi ("Peters"). Much of the plot is just gibberish, but the detectives have a good time, and that brings a limited amount of charm as they haplessly go about their deducing - and it isn't horrible to watch, but it's pretty cringe-making at times and 80 years after it was made is nigh on unwatchable for anything other than a kindly nod to pre-war comic cinema.