King of the Zombies

King of the Zombies
Promotional release poster
Directed byJean Yarbrough
Written byEdmond Kelso
Produced byLindsley Parsons
Starring
CinematographyMack Stengler
Edited byRichard C. Currier
Music byEdward J. Kay
Production
companies
Sterling Productions, Inc.
Distributed byMonogram Pictures Corporation
Release date
  • May 14, 1941 (1941-05-14)
Running time
67 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

King of the Zombies is a 1941 American zombie comedy film directed by Jean Yarbrough and starring Dick Purcell, Joan Woodbury, and Mantan Moreland. The film was produced by Monogram Pictures, and was typical of its B films produced by the Pine-Thomas team. Along with flying scenes, the use of zany characters and slapstick efforts were juxtaposed with a spy and zombie story.[1]

In the film, a transport aircraft crash-lands on a remote island during a storm. The passengers take refuge in a local mansion, and discover that the owner controls zombies though use of voodoo.

The role of the villainous Dr. Miklos Sangre was intended for Bela Lugosi, who was unavailable. The first choice to replace him was Peter Lorre, but negotiations with him failed. Henry Victor was then cast in the role.

  1. ^ Weaver 1993, pp. 36-45.