The Manster (1959)

12 Apr 2024

Rating: /5

Hooptober 5.0 | 11/32 | Before 1970 2/6

A woman sits in front of a mirror, putting on geisha makeup. A gorilla-like humanoid creature closes the partition and attacks. Blood splatters against the paper doors. 

MANSTER.

Dr. Robert Suzuki returns to his remote lab atop a volcanic mountain. His secretary Tara hands him a gun. He must handle Genji. The doctor enters the lab, passing Emiko, who resembles Sloth from the Goonies. She didn’t always look this way.

The doctor finds Genji hunched over — the creature who killed those women. The doctor shoots, killing Genji before throwing his failed experiment into the volcano incinerator.

Meanwhile, Larry Sanford, a foreign correspondent for World News, scales the same mountain. Before he can return home, his final assignment is to interview the reclusive Dr. Suzuki. 

Suzuki pours Larry an unusual liquor as they discuss cosmic rays and evolution. Larry grows weary and passes out. Dr. Suzuki has given Larry the elixir. It will work this time — he’s certain.

MANSTER.

This movie is hysterical. Every moment’s absurdity forgives script and performance weaknesses. It’s not good, but boy, is it a blast.

** Stray Thoughts/Spoilers **


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