Charlie Unmasked

The 1931 Sennett comedy short GHOST PARADE is mostly unremarkable, presenting a typical 30's spooky house spoof, but for gorilla suit enthusiasts it does contain a very special Gemora appearance. In the course of his role as a menacing ape, Charles is nabbed by our heroes and revealed to be nothing more - than a man in a costume! Charles Gemora appears without his mask, in a rare moment as himself, before he is hauled off to answer to authorities. The part of 'Man-in-suit' was never again repeated, but thankfully, a few seconds of film give us a glimpse behind the illusion he worked so diligently to create.
The following screen captures depict the unmasking and provide a well lit look at the gorilla suit that was later used in MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE within the next year. With all of the close-ups from RUE MORGUE excised by the studio, GHOST PARADE allows for an estimation of what may have been.