Legend has it that if the famous Barbary Apes leave the Rock of Gibraltar, it's a sign that the British will lose control of it. During World War II, a British officer is put in charge of the apes. When he detects that the animals' morale is slipping, he hatches a plan to go behind the German lines to "kidnap" a new ape for his charges to lift their spirits before the Germans find out about their condition and use it as propaganda.
Acting
Terry-Thomas at peak mustache-twirling cad perfection.
Writing
Script treats simian abduction with military procedure seriousness.
Director
Robert Day
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Barbary ape legend Churchill took seriously; this film treats it with appropriate disrespect.
Real British Army cooperation meant actual Gibraltar locations—though the apes were reportedly 'difficult' co-stars.
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