Story: Fred Mason (Milburn Stone) is back from a successful safari and returns with a host of new animals and attractions to delight circus audiences. He has brought back lions and tigers, which he plans to showcase in a mixed act, but the real jewel of the safari is Cheela. She could turn the entire circus’ fortune around, as she is a large gorilla, but behaves in very human ways and Mason is convinced she will become the top act. Meanwhile however, Dr. Walters (John Carradine) learns of Cheela’s existence and sees an opportunity, as he wants to experiment on her, which Mason is repulsed by. But when Walters decides to steal Cheela if necessary, can Mason protect Cheela from the mad doctor’s insidious plot?

Entertainment Value: A movie about a circus where John Carradine wants to transplant a woman’s brain into an ape? I was sold from the premise alone and while the movie isn’t as bananas as it sounds, it is a fun b movie romp throughout. I appreciated all the circus footage, with a lot of lion and tiger performances, though I wouldn’t have minded more acts, just for the circus vibes. The story is a wacky one, with the brain transplant and all, but it holds your attention and does what it needs to do. The pace is beyond brisk, clocking in at just over an hour and there is no real slowdown at all here. I love the gorilla suit and while it doesn’t look realistic at all, it does look funky and super fun, which is better in this case. The movie overall has some fun b movie vibes and of course, the brain transplant and its aftermath are highlights. I had a good time with Captive Wild Woman and for fans of old school b movies or gorilla suit cinema, this one is recommended.

I think most of the performances here are enjoyable, but as usual, John Carradine manages to steal the show as the perfectly cast mad scientist. This is the kind of role Carradine was often called on for and it is no surprise why, as he revels in the part and it is immense fun to watch. He seems to be engaged with the material, bringing energy to the role and this is not a phoned in effort at all. He dials up the camp of course, which is fun to see, but he keeps it at just the right level of over the top. He manages to steal most of the scenes he’s in and to me, Carradine is a big reason why Captive Wild Woman might be sought out. The cast also includes Evelyn Ankers, Acquanetta, Martha Vickers, and Milburn Stone.

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