1948 Mad Scientist Madcap Comedy Slapstick Sleuth Film

This madcap comedy features laughs, gags, and an ill-tempered gorilla! The movie begins with an exploding lab, causing evil Doc Robbin (George Zucco) to “disappear.” When Robbin’s gentle old lab assistant is wrongfully accused of the scientist’s murder, it’s up to a motley gang of children to clear his name. Lead by Curly (Larry Olsen), the kids enter the creepy old mansion where the Doctor performed his experiments. Goofball jokes and slapstick moments abound. But within the comedy is also a look at racism in the 1940s. Many of the jokes reek with racial stereotypes. Two members of the youthful gang are black, and many jokes are jibes are directed at them.