Nabonga (1944)

Directed by Sam Newfield, Nabonga is a pulpy jungle adventure from Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC) that blends crime, survival, and a touch of romance—all wrapped in low-budget charm. It’s best known today for featuring the film debut of Julie London, who would later become a celebrated singer and actress.

Plot Summary
After robbing a Cairo bank, T.F. Stockwell flees by plane with his young daughter Doreen and a pilot. The plane crashes in the African jungle, and Stockwell murders the pilot to keep the loot for himself. Doreen, traumatized and alone, befriends a wounded gorilla left behind by a safari. Years later, treasure hunter Ray Gorman (played by Olympic swimmer Buster Crabbe) arrives in search of the stolen riches to clear his father’s name. He discovers Doreen—now grown and living as a mysterious “white witch”—protected by her loyal gorilla, Samson.

Cast Highlights

• Buster Crabbe as Ray Gorman
• Julie London as Doreen Stockwell (her screen debut)
• Barton MacLane as Carl Hurst
• Fifi D’Orsay as Marie
• Prince Modupe as Tobo
• Jackie Newfield (the director’s daughter) plays young Doreen
• Ray Corrigan in a gorilla suit as Samson (credited as Nabongo)

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• The film was shot in 1943 but released in 1944
• Director Sam Newfield cast his own daughter, Jackie, as young Doreen
• The name Nabonga means “gorilla,” though the gorilla is referred to as Samson in the film
• At one point, Crabbe jokes about swimming technique—a nod to his real-life Olympic medal in swimming
• Julie London’s performance is understated but intriguing, foreshadowing her later success in Emergency! and her sultry singing career