Original poster for the film

I will have killed nine times in my life, Dr. Vesalius, how many murders can be attributed to you? – Dr. Anton Phibes

Today, we have a true classic with The Abominable Dr. Phibes.  This was advertised as Vincent Price’s 100th film and it definitely shows off his acting ability.  The film takes place in 1925 and features the titular character taking revenge on the doctors who he holds responsible for the death of his wife four years before.  Normally, I go into my usual beginning of the film summary, but I don’t want to spoil anything of the film for you.

The acting in this film is really great.  Vincent Price (Dr. Phibes) does his usually great job, playing the silent anti-hero (I refuse to call him the villain, as his character is too sympathetic).  Terry-Thomas (Dr. Longstreet) makes a short appearance in here, but makes another in the sequel, Dr. Phibes Rises Again, playing a different character.  He was also in our previously-posted film The Vault of Horror.  Joseph Cotten (Dr. Vesavius) did an excellent job acting.  He was also in Daughter of Frankenstein, The Screaming Woman, and The Torture Chamber of Baron Blood right after the filmed this one, so he had some good genre films under his belt, also.  Finally, I want to bring to attention the performance of a great voice actor, Paul Frees, whose voice can be heard singing a song called The Darktown Strutters’ Ball.  If his voice sounds familiar, you’ve probably heard it in any number of animated films and television shows, such as Rocky and Bullwinkle (as Boris Badenov), various Disney cartoons (Ludwig Von Drake, to name a few), and even the voice of the Ghost Host at the Haunted Mansion rides in Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

In my opinion, this was one of Vincent Price’s best films that I’ve seen and I have no hesitation giving it a 5 out of 5.  I love love LOVED this movie!  Tune in next time, when we unveil another film that hasn’t come out, yet, that was sent to me to review.  We’ll be looking at Cowboy Killer!  Until then, take care, and this is Red Hawk signing out!