Forgotten B&W Horror Movies #1: KING OF THE ZOMBIES
A new column chronicling the movies from the “golden age” of black and white films that shouldn't be forgotten...
Movies from the golden age of black and white films (approximately the 1930s through the 1950s) almost invariably contain well-written dialogue and strikingly subtle humor, making them a favorite among many fans of cinema. The horror movies of this more subtle period in film history are therefore of a cerebral nature, primarily relying on the viewers imagination to generate the true sense of horror that modern movies generate through more visual means. It is these oft-ignored horror movies that will be the focus of a series of articles detailing the reasons why true fans of horror movies should rediscover these films. King of the Zombies (Monogram Pictures, 1941) is the first movie in this series. King of the Zombies made its debut during World War II. The entire worlds consciousness was focused on the war resulting in a wide range of movies with at least a passing reference to the global conflict. King of the Zombies was no exception with its setting being an island in the Caribbean where a stereotypical evil doctor is attempting to acquire U.S. military secrets about their Canal Zone fortifications. 
Why This Movie Has Been Forgotten The plot is very weak with no real surprises. The bad guy is easily identified as evil and the good guys are easily identified as good. Marginal acting tends to make this film blend in with all the other mediocre films from this era. Only Mantan Morelands performance (as Jefferson Jackson) stands out. As seen from the modern Americans point of view, this film is filled with racism such as Jefferson being forced to sleep in the kitchen in order to set the proper example for all the other black servants. There is no true horror element because the zombies arent true zombies. Instead, they are the earlier form of Hollywood zombie in which a living human is hypnotized. The climactic scene in which Bill Summers (played by John Archer) somehow converts the zombies to his command by yelling Go back!! is just flat-out illogical. Seriously? Go back!? Is that how you overcome hypnosis / zombification? Ill have to try that on my neighbors when the zombie apocalypse arrives. Why Horror Fans Should Watch This Movie The portrayal of Jefferson Jackson by Mantan Moreland, although now viewed to have perpetuated black stereotypes, easily identifies him as the best actor in the film. With outstanding comedic timing, he delivers such hilarious lines as If theres one thing I wouldnt wanna be twice, zombies is both of em. Had it not been for the non-politically correct nature of his performance, this film, and others like it, would have forever branded Moreland as a top comedic actor. Marguerite Whitten, who plays Samantha the maid, has the rare Seinfeldian ability to be pretty in one scene, and much less unattractive in another. Much like the Seinfeld episode entitled "The Strike", in which Jerry's girlfriend Gwen's appearance changes based on the light sources in different locations, so does Whitten's face change based on profile or full-frontal views. To be honest, Whitten is definitely a beauty but her gorgeous profile greatly overshadows the rest of her face. The voodoo rite of transmigration is just plain hilarious. The dancing and singing seems more at home as a scene from Grease than it does in a 1940s horror film. King of the Zombies marks an early precursor to a universal trait of the modern zombie you must shoot them in the head to kill them. When zombified Mac (played by Bill Purcell) is pursuing the evil doctor during the climactic scene, he is repeatedly shot in the torso at close range. Miraculously, this does not kill Mac. He is somehow spared death and is even spared any pain in his zombie state of mind. What a lucky guy! 
Overall, King of the Zombies is an enjoyable enough film that most horror fans should enjoy watching. There is enough comedy to overcome the flaws, and there are plenty of entertaining scenes to keep you interested from beginning to end. If you would like to watch King of the Zombies, you may view it at the following link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwsPC9WJZPA