Released in the same year and by the same studio (Paramount) as the classic 'Island of Lost Souls', Murders at the Zoo understandably has been left by the wayside; but still it's an interesting film and makes a great companion piece for the aforementioned Dr Moreau adaptation. As the title suggests, the film takes place at the zoo. The zoo isn't often used in horror films, but it makes for a great location for one to take place as there's always so much going on and the animals create a chilling atmosphere on their own. Murders at the Zoo makes good use of its beastly cast members, as animals such as lions and tigers are spectacular, and as they're given a lot of screen time; it's always nice to see. The plot itself isn't particularly original, but it manages to take into account the location and the zoo animals nicely. We follow an expedition lead by Eric Gotman into the jungle in order to capture some animals for the zoo. One expeditionary doesn't make it back, however, as after getting too friendly with the leader's wife, he finds himself on the menu for the animals. And that's not the only murder to take place, as Gorman continues to put his specimens to use...
The first sequence is rather shocking especially considering the time in which the film was made, and while there obviously isn't any blood and guts on display; director Edward Sutherland succeeds in creating a macabre atmosphere and animals including snakes and crocodiles get to chomp their way through certain cast members. Lionel Atwill takes the lead role and commands the screen at his evil best. Atwill is an underrated talent when it comes to classic cinema, and performances like this show why. Kathleen Burke (The Panther Woman in Island of Lost Souls) is his opposite number, while comic actor Charles Ruggles provides comic relief. His performance doesn't appear to be too popular, but in all honesty; he didn't annoy me too much. The film is well paced throughout, as there's always a standout moment not too far away, and it all boils down to a fitting and exciting climax. The film is not as great as many classics that were released in the early thirties, including those coming from Universal as well as The Mystery of the Wax Museum and others; but Murders at the Zoo is well worth seeing for fans of classic horror.
The first sequence is rather shocking especially considering the time in which the film was made, and while there obviously isn't any blood and guts on display; director Edward Sutherland succeeds in creating a macabre atmosphere and animals including snakes and crocodiles get to chomp their way through certain cast members. Lionel Atwill takes the lead role and commands the screen at his evil best. Atwill is an underrated talent when it comes to classic cinema, and performances like this show why. Kathleen Burke (The Panther Woman in Island of Lost Souls) is his opposite number, while comic actor Charles Ruggles provides comic relief. His performance doesn't appear to be too popular, but in all honesty; he didn't annoy me too much. The film is well paced throughout, as there's always a standout moment not too far away, and it all boils down to a fitting and exciting climax. The film is not as great as many classics that were released in the early thirties, including those coming from Universal as well as The Mystery of the Wax Museum and others; but Murders at the Zoo is well worth seeing for fans of classic horror.