Murders in the Zoo 1933
"HE KILLED FOR LOVE...AND LOVED TO KILL!"
In *Murders in the Zoo (1933)*, directed by A. Edward Sutherland, millionaire adventurer Dr. Gorman travels the world collecting exotic animals—until he brings his darkest impulses home.
Director: A. Edward Sutherland
Cast
Charles Ruggles
Peter Yates
Lionel Atwill
Eric Gorman
Gail Patrick
Jerry Evans
Randolph Scott
Jack Woodford
John Lodge
Roger Hewitt
Kathleen Burke
Evelyn Gorman
Harry Beresford
G.A. Evans
Jane Darwell
Banquet Guest (uncredited)
Nancy Crowley
Little Girl at the Zoo (Uncredited)
Samuel S. Hinds
Banquet Guest (Uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Murders in the Zoo (1933) about?
*Murders in the Zoo* follows Dr. Gorman, a wealthy adventurer who travels the world collecting exotic animals—only to weaponize them against his wife's lovers when she strays. The film blends crime and horror as Gorman's personal vendettas escalate, culminating in a deadly fundraising gala at a New York zoo.
Who directed Murders in the Zoo?
A. Edward Sutherland directed *Murders in the Zoo (1933)*, bringing a sharp eye for suspense to this Pre-Code thriller.
Who stars in Murders in the Zoo?
The film stars Charles Ruggles as Dr. Gorman, with Lionel Atwill, Gail Patrick, Randolph Scott, and Kathleen Burke rounding out the main cast.
Is Murders in the Zoo (1933) worth watching?
While *Murders in the Zoo* isn't a household name, its Pre-Code horror vibe and twisted plot make it a fascinating watch for vintage film enthusiasts. The tight runtime and atmospheric tension keep it engaging, even if it leans more into crime than outright horror.
How long is Murders in the Zoo?
*Murders in the Zoo* runs approximately 62 minutes, making it a brisk, no-frills thriller perfect for a single sitting.
About Murders in the Zoo (1933) — A Pre-Code Horror Classic of Obsession and Revenge
In *Murders in the Zoo (1933)*, directed by A. Edward Sutherland, millionaire adventurer Dr. Gorman travels the world collecting exotic animals—until he brings his darkest impulses home. His young, restless wife seeks excitement elsewhere, prompting Gorman to weaponize his menagerie against her lovers in a twisted game of revenge. With a chilling tagline that hints at obsession and danger, this Pre-Code crime-horror thriller blends the eerie allure of the jungle with the claustrophobic tension of domestic betrayal. The film's gothic atmosphere and morally ambiguous protagonist make it a standout in early horror cinema, where nature itself becomes an instrument of vengeance.
Starring Charles Ruggles as the eccentric Gorman, alongside Lionel Atwill's sinister charm and Randolph Scott's dashing presence, *Murders in the Zoo* delivers a macabre mix of suspense and scandal. The storyline weaves together themes of jealousy, power, and the unhinged lengths to which obsession can drive a person. Shot in just over an hour, this tight, atmospheric gem is perfect for fans of vintage horror that thrives on psychological twists rather than cheap scares.
