Captive Wild Woman (1943)

An insane scientist doing experimentation in glandular research becomes obsessed with transforming a female gorilla into a human...even though it costs human life.

Director:

Edward Dmytryk

Writers:

Ted Fithian (original story), Neil P. Varnick (original story)

Stars:

John Carradine, Evelyn Ankers, Milburn Stone

Cast

Cast overview:
John Carradine	...	Dr. Sigmund Walters
Evelyn Ankers	...	Beth Colman
Milburn Stone	...	Fred Mason
Lloyd Corrigan	...	John Whipple
Fay Helm	...	Nurse Strand
Martha Vickers	...	Dorothy Colman (as Martha MacVicar)
Vince Barnett	...	Curley
Paul Fix	...	Gruen
Acquanetta	...	Paula Dupree -

Storyline

Dr. Sigmund Walters, an expert in glandular research, becomes convinced that his experiments involving lower animal species cannot succeed, so he arranges to have a very intelligent female gorilla kidnapped from the circus and brought to his lab. Using the glands of a patient and the brain of his faithful nurse, he performs transplant surgery on the intelligent simian. When the ape morphs into exotic and sexy Paula Dupree, the experiment seems to be s success. She even finds a place for herself at her old circus assisting lion tamer Fred Mason. Unfortunately when aroused by desire and jealousy over the affections of Mason, her delicate metabolism breaks down, and she regresses to her ape form.

---

Plot Keywords:

lion tamer | animal trainer | animal cruelty | bengal tiger | transformation | 

---

Taglines:

A human form with animal instincts!

---

Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 June 1943 (USA)

Also Known As:

La mujer fiera

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

61 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was John Carradine's first leading role on screen, filmed from December 10-31, 1942. Release took place July 2, 1943.

---

Goofs

When Beth first greets Fred on the dock at the very start of the film, her lips don't move.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Dockworker: Clear the dock! Clear the dock!

---

Connections

Referenced in Board James: HeroQuest (2010)

User Reviews

It's All in the Glands

Scientist and surgeon John Carradine, having worked miracles in the area of glandular research, now wants to change a stolen gorilla into a woman - why? We really never understand his motivation, but what we do get in Captive Wild Woman is a pretty entertaining ride that one can learn to expect from Universal Studios. Ferocious lions and tigers, a fairly good imitation of a gorilla, John Carradine hamming it up, Milburn Stone reminding me of Gunsmoke every minute he is on film, Evelyn Ankers wearing outfits that only Auntie Mame would wear, and the beautiful, silent Acquanetta all make this a very unique and welcomed addition to the Universal pantheon of horror goodies. Though not a great film, this one packs a punch for a 61 minute film. Never a dull lull in the action. Carradine plays a very suave, polished doctor that is utterly crazy, mad, and heartless. It is a pretty good performance from Mr. Carradine. The rest of the cast is very able. Ankers and the silent girl transformed from ape - Acquanetta - are appealing eye candy as well. A couple quick notations. Ms. Ankers is a secretary, yet has a wardrobe of a wealthy socialite. She apparently lives in a boarding house, as in one scene she is in a bed witnessing the ape woman coming into her room by the window - a landlady type comes to the door way across the other side of the room. The landlady yells and runs and the ape woman, rather than killing her intended victim inches away from her - runs way across the other side of the room and down the hallway to kill a woman for no reason. Hmmm. Despite these little observations, a highly recommended film. Hope this one comes out on DVD soon.