Thursday, March 18, 2010

MICKEY AND THE GORILLA MYSTERY (1930)

ORIGINALLY POSTED 7-23-2008

THE GORILLA MYSTERY perfectly illustrates the perceptions of Depression era audiences regarding apes. The beast who snatches up Minnie is a loathsome, toothsome, snarling, drooling brute with talon like fingers and a nasty demeanor. The cartoon is simple enough, but takes it's cues from popular Dark House mysteries of the period. It's interesting to note that Mickey addresses the gorilla as Mr. Ingagi, a clear sign that the title of the 1930 exploitation film INGAGI had become rapidly synonomous with apes or gorillas.
You can read more about INGAGI at the Gorilla Men Gemora Tribute site.

No comments:

Post a Comment