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.
Plot: During World War II, James Mac McCarthy (Dick Purcell) is piloting a plane over the Caribbean when he's forced to crash-land on an island. Along with passenger Bill Summers (John Archer) and his servant, Mac happens upon Dr. Sangre's (Henry Victor) mansion, where the group is offered lodging. The visitors soon uncover Sangre's terrifying secret when they see him performing voodoo on a group of zombies in the cellar. The men must escape with Sangre's niece (Joan Woodbury) in tow.
Mantan Moreland is the star of this picture. He was a very good comedic actor who was stereotyped into playing the dimwitted servant in most of his movies, but he really shines in this picture. Every scene he is in, he steals.
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.
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