Review of Abominable Dr. Phibes, The

Introduction

A series of mysterious deaths of eminent doctors lead the police to think there is a connection. There is only one possible suspect and he is already dead!

Dr Phibes (Vincent Price) blames nine people for his wife`s death and sets in motion a Biblical curse that will kill them in the most gruesome ways imaginable. The senior doctor is played by the distinguished actor Joseph Cotton.

One by one the victims are disposed off in most gruesome ways - being bats, rats, hail, locusts, blood-yum.

Video

Visually this film is a great find. Each sequence is well thought out with consideration given to set design that belies its probable small budget.
For its age it looks good. There is remarkably little print damage or grain showing. Although ostensibly set in 1930 the world looks far more like that of The Avengers. The Director had directed episodes of that series and the writer was responsible for the film of Man from U.N.C.L.E

Dr Phibes wife is seen only in pictures -well she is dead. The pictures are of a beautiful model-type face and I was curious to find out who it was. Anyway for those interested in trivia Caroline Munro-the lamb`s Navy Rum Girl-played an uncredited role in both Dr Phibes` films, which led to a short second, career in Hammer horror films.

Vincent Price, looks the part in full white face with a Phantom of the Opera moment.

Audio

The sound is Dolby Digital Mono, nothing to get exited about.
There are some quaint popular songs included which sometimes accompany the gruesome deaths!

Features

Superb trailer that hypes up the comedy horror aspect of the film.

Conclusion

An enjoyable romp through the mind of a tortured genius proving it did not all start with Freddy on Elm Street. A period piece it lacks any real suspense or gore thankfully, but enjoys the creation of each set piece. One of my favourite deaths is that of the psychiatrist or `headshrinker`-yes it is that sort of film.

The plot to systematically eliminate a bunch of unlikeable people whilst building up one person in whom we vest our hopes for survival has been around a while. This film is above average mainly due to its appearance. It lovingly reproduces settings that show more about the 1960`s than the supposed 1930 backdrop.

It`s a lovably camp tongue-in-cheek fun film. Don`t expect to be frightened but enjoy its spectacle.