by Hal Erickson
synopsis
The full title of the "missing link" drama was Balaoo the Demon Baboon. Based on a popular Grand Guignol play, the film focuses on Balaoo, a hirsute ape-man with the intellect of a human being but the strength of a beast. Balaoo's kindly keeper does his best to assimilate the monkey-man into society, but he proves almost impossible to "tame." Even so, Balaoo proves his loyalty to his master by rescuing the man's sweetheart from kidnappers. Alas, in so doing, Balaoo commits murder, and must pay for this lapse in judgement with his life. The unbilled actor playing Balaoo was evidently an accomplished athlete, suggesting perhaps that role was played by a circus performer.
