I have no doubt that the 'Gorilla' series of novels by former secret agent Antoine-Louis Dominique proved fascinating to those who had nothing better to do with their time. This first film adaptation which is likewise aimed at the lowest common denominator, has the presence of mucho macho Lino Ventura, eccentric Charles Vanel, immaculate Pierre Dux and nothing if not sexy Bella Darvi but nonetheless remains simply awful, even by director Bernard Borderie's standards.
Even allowing for its being a pastiche of hard-boiled American film noir it is a risible, unpleasant and nigh-on sadistic opus which is saddled with a repetitive and terminally irritating 'jazzy' score. In keeping with the films title Ventura's character spends a great deal of time impersonating the Orang-utan from 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue'. He is also subject to so many beatings that one wonders how he emerges with a full set of teeth. Not to mention his close encounter with a blow torch!
The film is redeemed somewhat by the cinematography of Louis Page and by our being treated to the delicious French accent of the multi-lingual Miss Darvi. It is also of interest as being the film that firmly established the persona of Monsieur Ventura before he deservedly moved on to better things. His start in films came via a chance meeting with director Jacques Becker and as well as luck, an actor's career can be helped or hindered by choice of roles. 'Le Gorille vous salue bien', despite its being a load of rubbish, served its purpose and he very wisely declined to appear in what turned out to be an even more abysmal follow-up. Although Charles Vanel reprised his role in the follow-up he was far too respected a character actor for it to have an adverse effect! He had a phenomenal career and like Pierre Dux, continued acting until the very end. The chequered life of Bella Darvi ended in suicide in 1971.
