United States

In the civilised jungle called New York City, Susan Jamieson learns of the disappearance of her anthropologist husband in Central Africa. David Thurston, who has lusted after Susan for years, agrees to sponsor the rescue safari accompanied by his jealous wife Laura, and the handsome guide Paul Cory. ln Africa, we learn that Matheson, a dealer in safari bearers, was paid by David to do away with Susan's husband. Pursued into the rain forest by poachers Brady and Pullman, the party realise they are being watched not by natives, but by HOMO HABILIS... THE MISSING LINK! David, still strongly attracted to Susan, shoots the only female member of the tribe of "near men", much to Susan's wrath. She rejects David and goes to live with the "near men", while the drunken David abuses Laura who seeks comfort in her kindred spirit Paul. David, furious, is caught in one of the poacher's traps. The "near men" find his gun and fire it several times into him. Meanwhile, Laura kills the poacher Pullman who has imprisoned Paul, then finds solace in Paul's arms. At the camp of the "near men" Susan realises she is truly assimilated into the tribe when the two dominant males fight over her. She now dedicates her life to the welfare of the small colony. Susan had intended returning to the modern world, but she makes her choice. Her fulfilment is in the jungle as "MISTRESS OF THE APES!"