Monkey Shines

Monkey Shines (sometimes called Monkey Shines: An Experiment in Fear) is an American horror film originally released in 1988. Written and directed by George A. Romero ("Night of the Living Dead", "Creepshow"), the film is based on a novel by the same title authored by Michael Stewart. It was filmed on location in and around Pittsburgh. Monkey Shines tells the story of an athlete, Alan Mann, who is rendered quadriplegic when struck by a truck. Man... more

Monkey Shines (sometimes called Monkey Shines: An Experiment in Fear) is an American horror film originally released in 1988. Written and directed by George A. Romero ("Night of the Living Dead", "Creepshow"), the film is based on a novel by the same title authored by Michael Stewart. It was filmed on location in and around Pittsburgh. Monkey Shines tells the story of an athlete, Alan Mann, who is rendered quadriplegic when struck by a truck. Mann fails to adjust to his condition, becoming suicidal and despondent. When Jeff, a scientist friend of his (portrayed by John Pankow), who has been experimenting with the injection of human brain tissue into monkeys, learns this, he is prompted to supply one of the experimental monkeys, named "Ella" (portrayed by Boo, whose sounds are provided by Frank Welker), to Alan as a helper. Their relationship is amicable at first, with Mann's life being made much easier, and the two bond deeply, even sharing "romantic" moments with sweet music. But... less