Revenge of the Zombies (1943)

Simply A Masterpiece

hyped garbage

Great Film overall

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

There is not much to say about this one except that it is probably the worst of the early spate of zombie movies (I may get to watch another one, REVOLT OF THE ZOMBIES [1936], before the month is out). For all star John Carradine's intention of building an army in the service of the Third Reich with them, they are not seen to do much at all!; James Baskett (Uncle Remus from SONG OF THE SOUTH [1946]!) plays their leader, who also serves as Carradine's manservant. Black comic Mantan Moreland reprises his 'fraidy cat' chauffeur role from KING OF THE ZOMBIES (1941), as does the exotically named Madame Sul-Te-Wan as Carradine's housekeeper. Unfortunately for Carradine, his supreme achievement – the zombification of his wife – brings him all sorts of trouble: not only do her relatives turn up at his remote abode/lab to inquire into her sudden death (which means he has to fake a funeral service!) but she actually proves disobedient and indignant, eventually 'persuading' her fellow zombies to rise against their master!! Also involved is cowboy star Bob Steele (still best-known for his bit in Howard Hawks' THE BIG SLEEP [1946]) who plays a U.S. secret agent posing as a Nazi posing as a Sheriff! Thankfully, director Sekely would have much better luck with his next genre effort, THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS (1962).

Who cares if it is what it was supposed to be? It is what it is.This movie has grown rich in dead pan (P.I.) humor with the passage of time.Lines like: "I use drive car like this for massa.. when I's alive.".and."(My wife is dead, I assure you.) Approach her and satisfy yourself.".I mean, you just can't make this stuff up. BTW, Don't mind if ah do.This thing thinks its not a line until you put a period.Ten lines.. hmmm.88 lines by 44 women.Also, check out Easy Money w/ Dangerfield and Pesci: "His entire body is bloodshot." Oh yaeh!

Revenge of the Zombies (1943) ** (out of 4) Low budget shocker about a mad scientist (John Carradine) trying to bring the dead back to life so that they can help Hitler win WW2. All of the now politically incorrect material makes this film stand out from various other zombie films released around this time but the story is pretty lacking all the way around. Carradine sleepwalks through his role and the supporting cast doesn't fair any better with the exception of Mantan Moreland who plays one of the servants. Bob Steele plays a small role as well. The zombies are all pretty boring but thankfully the film only runs 61-minutes.

This movie is another example of the genius of Poverty Row studios, like Monogram, Republic, Mascot, etc. Who can argue with the kind of comedic mystery represented by Charlie Chan, The Purple Monster, The Tiger Woman, Radio Ranch, Rocket Man, and zombie movies like this.The plot has to do with a mad scientist who wants to create an army of zombie Storm Troopers to help the Nazi's conquer America. (Be sure to look for an early scene where the zombies are assembled and goose step in formation). I don't think we need to go any farther into the story. It is only important to realize that this is Saturday Matinee entertainment in it's purest form.It is one of the only forums where one can see the sinister elegance of a John Carradine, as well as the comic genius of a Mantan Moreland, all the while enjoying a virtual parade of second string pre-prime, and post-prime players. In this case we find Gale Storm (pre My Little Margie), and Bob Steele (post cowboy). A mute Veda Ann Borg, as the zombie wife, reminds us that her voice was as important as her acting. Speaking of Mantan Moreland; it is really too bad that PC guilt won't allow for the recognition he deserves.I urge anyone who is interested in a little Saturday entertainment to catch this little gem if you can. You won't be disappointed. If you like it, and I know you will, you might want to check out another called "The Whip Hand".