Revolt of the Zombies

Revolt of the Zombies

Year: 1936

Runtime: 62 mins

Language: English

Director: Victor Halperin

HorrorHorror

Set in post‑World War I Cambodia, an eccentric love story unfolds when an evil count discovers a method to turn men into obedient walking zombies, building a slave army. A team ventures to the Angkor Wat ruins to thwart his scheme, but one expedition member pursues a secret agenda of his own.

Revolt of the Zombies (1936) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Revolt of the Zombies (1936) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the shadow of the crumbling stone temples of post‑World War I Cambodia, a restless wind carries the echo of ancient chants and the distant rumble of a world still trying to heal. The towering silhouettes of Angkor Wat loom over a landscape caught between colonial ambition and lingering superstition, setting a tone that is both exotic and unsettling. Against this backdrop, a secret known only to a handful of scholars threatens to tip the fragile balance toward darkness.

A multinational expedition, assembled by the Allied powers, sets out to confront a dread rumor: an evil count has uncovered a way to turn ordinary men into obedient, walking zombies, amassing a silent slave army beneath the jungle canopy. Among the party are the scholarly linguist Armand Louque, whose fascination with dead languages masks a restless curiosity; the stoic English officer Clifford Grayson, whose pragmatic demeanor hints at a deeper resolve; and the determined daughter of a senior commander, Claire, whose presence adds both diplomatic weight and personal stakes to the venture.

As the three navigate the tangled politics of their own nations, a tangled romance begins to blossom. Armand finds himself drawn to Claire, while Clifford quietly nurtures his own affection for her, creating a volatile triangle that infuses the mission with an intimate, almost theatrical tension. Beneath the surface, one of the expedition members pursues an undisclosed agenda, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already precarious journey.

The film drapes its narrative in a palette of humid heat, flickering torchlight, and the ever‑present hum of unseen rituals. It balances the eerie promise of an ancient power with the very human desires of love, loyalty, and ambition, inviting the audience to wonder what will happen when the line between science and superstition blurs amid the ruins of a forgotten empire.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:12

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Forbidden Knowledge and Power Corrupts like in Revolt of the Zombies

Stories where the pursuit of forbidden power leads to psychological decay.If you liked the themes of mind control and moral decay in Revolt of the Zombies, explore these movies about the corrupting influence of forbidden power. These stories feature characters who discover or seek ultimate control, only to be consumed by it, leading to dark and psychologically complex narratives similar to this classic horror film.

obsessivetreacherousdreadforbidden powerpsychologicalmoral decayunhinged

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a descent arc. A character gains access to a powerful and unnatural ability or knowledge. Initially, they may believe they can control it for a specific goal, but the power itself begins to erode their humanity, leading to betrayal, obsession, and often a pyrrhic victory where they achieve their aim at a terrible personal cost.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a central thematic focus on the corruption that comes with absolute power. They explore similar emotional tones of dread and psychological unease, and often feature steady-paced narratives that allow the character's moral decay to unfold convincingly.

Expedition Horror like in Revolt of the Zombies

Tales of terror unfolding in ancient, exotic locations far from civilization.Fans of the exotic setting and supernatural dread in Revolt of the Zombies will enjoy these expedition horror movies. Discover similar stories where teams venture into ancient ruins or remote locations, only to uncover dark secrets and face terrifying supernatural forces, capturing the same suspenseful and treacherous atmosphere.

suspensefulsupernaturaldreadtreacherousarchaeologicalancient evilisolated

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a group—often scholars, soldiers, or adventurers—traveling to a remote and historically significant location. Their initial quest for knowledge or treasure quickly turns into a fight for survival as they awaken a dormant evil or discover a forbidden secret. The story is driven by the unfolding mystery of the place and the gradual threat it poses to the expedition members, often revealing hidden agendas and betrayal within the group.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a cohesive feel through their exotic, isolated settings and the theme of disturbing ancient secrets. They create a specific mood of suspenseful dread by pitting rational, modern characters against incomprehensible, ancient forces, and often feature a steady pacing that builds tension through discovery.

Unlock the Full Story of Revolt of the Zombies

Don't stop at just watching — explore Revolt of the Zombies in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Revolt of the Zombies is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Revolt of the Zombies Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Revolt of the Zombies, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Revolt of the Zombies Summary

Revolt of the Zombies Timeline

Track the full timeline of Revolt of the Zombies with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Revolt of the Zombies Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Revolt of the Zombies

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Revolt of the Zombies. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Revolt of the Zombies

More About Revolt of the Zombies

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Revolt of the Zombies: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Revolt of the Zombies

Similar Movies to Revolt of the Zombies

Discover movies like Revolt of the Zombies that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.