The Abominable Dr. Phibes
Amazon.co.uk Review
The Abominable Dr Phibes is an unusually beautiful horror classic in which Vincent Price stars as the titular genius who specialises in organ music, theology and concocting bizarre deaths for anyone who wrongs him. Discovering why is half the fun, so for now let’s just say that Phibes is a little mad and very, very angry. Aided by his assistant, the lovely, silent Vulnavia, Phibes begins cutting a gory swathe through London’s medical community, with the dogged Inspector Trout hot on his tail. The film contains many pleasures–exquisite art direction and a dark sense of humour among them–but the real treat is in watching an old pro such as Price at work. Whether he’s playing his organ, staring down a victim or drinking through his neck, Price is at the top of his game. He mixes dark menace with wry comic touches, revealing both Phibes’ maniacal obsession and offhanded confidence in his own genius. Settle in for an evening of elegant gore–and if an attractive, mute deliverywoman comes to the door, whatever you do, don’t answer! –Ali Davis
Dr Anton Phibes (the late great Vincent Price) is out for revenge on those who’s incompetance killed his wife Victoria (Caroline Monroe) with the help of his beautiful but mute assistant Vulnavia (VIrginia North).
In the firing line are the likes of Terry Thomas who plays Dr Longstreet a porn mad surgeon who suffers the curse of blood. Joseph Cotton plays Dr Vesalius, a part that was originally meant for Peter Cushing, but Mr Cushing’s wife was very ill at the time and he had to withdraw from the filming.
All the deaths follow the plagues of Egypt: curse of boils, bats, frogs, the curse of blood, the curse of rats, hail, of beasts, the locust, of course, the death of the first-born, and then, finally, of darkness.
It is one of those films where you want the bad guy to win, and played to the campest level possible. Inspector Trout (Peter Jeffrey) and Sgt Schenley (Norman Jones) add extra comic relief to the film.
A great piece of escapism, that I remember from my childhood along with the Friday night Hammer Horror movies. Absolutely wonderful regardless of the fact that there are no extras.
Rating: 5 / 5
Not since Dante came up with appropriate eternal punishments for those sent to the Inferno has there been such a macabre genius for taking vengeance as “The Abominable Dr. Phibes.” The title character, played to the hilt and beyond by Vincent Price, seeks revenge upon the nine doctors he feels are responsible for the death of his beloved wife, Victoria. As inspiration, Anton Phibes uses the Plagues of Egypt, knocking off victims (including Terry-Thomas) with frogs, locusts and the like with the help of his silent assistant Vulnavia (Virginia North), while playing his grand pipe organ. Poor Inspector Trout (Peter Jeffrey) tries to get one step ahead of the Good Doctor, but he cannot even keep up as the murders progress. Phibes saves the best for last: Dr. Vesalius (Joseph Cotten), the man who botched the operation, at least in Phibes twisted view. By this point Phibes is up to the Death of the First Born and Dr. Vesalius has to operate on his son to the boy from suffering the same fate as Phibes.
“The Abominable Dr. Phibes” is like “Richard III” and “Silence of the Lambs” in that you find yourself rooting for the villain. This might be camp but it is done with such style and flair, not to mention a macabre (if not sick) humor. I love the fact that Vincent Price does all of his lines as a sort of disembodied voice. His lips never move, a result of having his character’s mouth currently being in the side of his neck (what did you expect in a film that is so tongue in cheek?). This 1971 film, directed by Robert Fuest, was scripted by James Whiton and William Goldstein, a pair of decidedly sick human beings. Followed the next year by “Dr. Phibes Rises Again,” Price did another camp revenge film, “Theater of Blood” in 1973. But be warned: most women do not consider these films appropriate for dates.
Rating: 5 / 5
This must be one of the greatest tales of revenge ever told. The abominable Dr. Phibes is on the rampage, finding inventive ways to bump off the team of doctors he blames for his wife’s death.
Don’t worry about the silly premise, the plot holes, or the anachronisms – just sit back and enjoy the fun. Vincent Price shines as Phibes, it’s amazing how much he manages to do with the character given that he can only mime facial expression to a pre-recorded voiceover. He makes the character a believable genius psychopath, bringing just the right amount of creepiness and humour to the part.
It is the sense of humour that is the key to this film. If it was just a run of the mill psycho revenge movie it wouldn’t work. But by using a cast of gifted comic actors and adding a touch of macabre humour to several key scenes the film is lifted to great heights. Who can forget Terry Thomas’ reaction to the beautiful Vulnavia walking into his room? Or Hugh Griffiths as the strangely Welsh sounding Rabbi?
This is decent budget DVD release. The film is presented in the original 1.85:1 widescreen, with a mono soundtrack. There has been no remastering, but the picture is nice and clean with a minimum of artefacts. Extras are limited to the original theatrical trailers which are quite interesting.
Not a film to be taken seriously, this is enormously entertaining and is highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a black comedy
Rating: 5 / 5
This is Vincent Price’s best film without a shadow of a doubt and I know my Vincent Price films. Stunning Set Design, Chock full of orginal ideas and the guy acts everyone off the screen without even the ability to open his mouth(he’s disfigured and talks through his neck via a microphone). I wont go into the plot but if you like your 1970’s horror films with a heavy dose of black humour this is the film for you. I used to watch this film all the time on a mouldy old Betamax as a kid and I’ve never bored of it. In short Vincent kicks some serious flesh in this film. Great Cameo by Terry Thomas also and the Stunningly Beautiful Caroline Munro who plays his dead wife who is literally dead all the way through the film(Phibes has somehow kept her body perfectly preserved and who could blame him!!!) I think I’m right in saying also that he made this back to back along with ‘Dr Phibes Rises Again’ (not as good but still quite classic) and ‘Theatre of Blood’ another stonkingly good Vincent Price performance. Warning dont watch if you work for the NHS!!!
Rating: 5 / 5
Vincent Price plays a “dead” man avenging the surgical team that lost his wife on the operating table. Nine doctors in all(one of them a nurse) are treated to nine of the most innovative, creative, outlandish deaths imaginable. The deaths loosely follow the Ten Plagues of the Old Testament, but each with a new twist. The film is an exercise in witty, stylish black comedy seldom seen today. Much of the credit MUST go to director Robert Fuest for his vision of something truly unique: a world in the 1920’s with clockwork musicians, 20’s music, and beautiful sets and costumes. Price gives one of his best performances in a role that barely utilizes his greatest attribute, his voice. Price relies heavily on movement and facial expressions, and does so wonderfully. The cast is superb with British stalwarts adorning the film all over. Terry-Thomas has a nice cameo as a Doctor Longstreet experiencing a blood donor’s worst nightmare. Peter Jeffrey, a woefully under-appreciated actor, gives a fine comic performance as a policeman always on the spot a moment too late. Joseph Cotton does a credible job as the surgical leading physician. Aubrey Woods(wonderful..simply wonderful), Hugh Griffith, and John Cater also lend their talents to the supporting cast. Caroline Munro plays Price’s dead wife as well. This film rejuvenated Price’s career in the 70’s. It is unique, poetic, haunting, and, for me the most important, very amusing. If you lack a sense of humour with regards to the world of the macabre, you might want to stay away from Phibes. It is a very dark, black comedy, yet one that is at its heart nothing more than a tragic love story of sorts.
Rating: 4 / 5