Sven- Konga (1961)

 

Dr. Dekker returns to Britain from a year long stay in Africa.  This was the result of a crash landing.  He brings back a baby chimp as well.  He has named the chimp Konga, for some reason.  He also brings a ton of insectavorous plants back, and discovers he can make them larger.  Once he injects Konga with the serum he goes mental and uses the ape to kill his "enemies".  Much soap opera stuff ensues, and all the principles end up dead, by the end of the movie.

The first time I saw this movie I was really disappointed.  Five minutes of giant ape action does not make a monster movie, at least in my book.  And it is very much like a soap opera.  I haven't watched the full movie since then, probably over 40 years ago.

I enjoyed it more this time, but calling it a giant monster movie is quite the stretch.  The cast is good, and the effects are adequate, but it is not a great movie.  All of the leads end up dead, no happy ending for anyone.  We don't even know if the police find out if Dekker was responsible.  And everyone says the plant ate Sandra, but it is more likely she died in the fire.

Next week- Blood of Dracula