Return of the Ape Man

Return of the Ape Man is a 1944 American film distributed by Monogram Pictures. It was directed by Philip Rosen and features actors Bela Lugosi, John Carradine, George Zucco, Frank Moran, Judith Gibson and Michael Ames.

Plot

Two professors find a prehistoric caveman frozen in ice during an Arctic expedition. Professor Dexter and Professor John Gilmore bring the frozen exhibit back home and soon devise a plan. They want to implant a more evolved brain into the caveman, with hopes of being able to control and utilize him.

Cast

Bela Lugosi as Professor Dexter
John Carradine as Professor John Gilmore
George Zucco and Frank Moran as Ape Man
Judith Gibson as Anne
Michael Ames as Steve
Mary Currier as Mrs. Gilmore
Ed Chandler as Sergeant
Ernie Adams as Tramp
George Eldredge as Patrolman on beat
Horace B. Carpenter as Theater watchman

Production

The working title for the film was 'Revenge of the Ape Man'. Production took place early in October 1943 and the film was released on June 24, 1944.

Cast notes

Credits for the role of the Ape Man

George Zucco is co-credited on screen and in the publicity, along with Moran, as having played the Ape Man. At the onset of the laboratory scene where Prof. Dexter and Gilmore are preparing to melt the caveman free from the block of ice, Zucco is shown in the Ape Man makeup - albeit briefly. Zucco's prominent nose, as well as his injured and withered left arm/hand are clearly visible facing the camera. The shot then switches away from the Ape Man. When it returns again to the same shot, Moran has replaced Zucco. The producers later explained Zucco became ill during the filming and kept his footage as a cost-saving measure while using Moran as a replacement actor for the remainder of the film.

Other

Frank Leigh is also credited by certain modern sources for the character of Long Shot.