Review of The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) by Gavin S — 29 Sep 2007
Vincent Price is the man. If ever this should be doubted, then just watch this delightful dark comedy. Several doctors in 1920s London have been found dead under mysterious circumstances. When Scotland Yard investigates, they find that all the deceased doctors worked on on case together--a surgery that failed to save the life of Victoria Phibes.
Her husband, Dr. Anton Phibes, is immediately assumed to be the suspect, except that he died in a fiery car crash on his way to see his ailing wife. However, Dr. Phibes is not dead, although he's not quite "alive" either, and is using the Old Testament's plagues of Egypt as his inspiration for some truly elaborate murders.
The best of which involves a brass unicorn head and a catapult. This film has a delightfully twisted sense of humor and it shows in every scene. Consider, for instance, the fact that all Phibes's victims are innocent people who merely failed to save his wife's life--but the audience finds themselves rooting for Phibes anyway! That Vincent Price in this role rather resembles a homocidal Captain Kangaroo just adds to the fun.
If you enjoy dark comedies and are a fan of Vincent Price, this is required viewing.
This review of The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) was written by Gavin S on 29 Sep 2007.
The Abominable Dr. Phibes has generally received positive reviews.
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