High-camp horror with its tongue firmly in its gruesomely deformed cheek, this British oddity features Vincent Price in one of his most memorable roles. The more I think about it, the more I wonder if the creative team behind this film cast Vincent Price simply to get more people to see the movie? David Pirie of The Monthly Film Bulletinwas negative, fa… Near the front door is a curved, frosted window. Three words to describe The Abominable Dr. Phibes: elegant, macabre, and…fashionable. Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune gave the film three-and-a-half stars, calling it a "stylish, clever, shrieking winner", though he disliked "the lack of zip in the ending". Change ). Mr. Fuest makes very tolerable use of bis means: added to which he has the overwhelming advantage of Vincent Price as the Abominable Doctor. Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! I love The Abominable Dr. Phibes; it's so unapologetically 1970s. The Abominable Dr. Phibes was directed by Robert Fuest, who gave the early Avengers TV series its stylish panache. These factors make his portrayal of the titular character feel like a part of an ensemble instead of someone leading a film. The way Dr. Phibes’ victims met their demise overshadowed Vincent’s performance. A sardonic wink, back at The Phantom of the Opera and ahead toward Phantom of the Paradise, with The Avengers as structure and plenty of Franju in the mix. The Abominable Dr. Phibes Review The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) Director: Robert Fuest ***1/2 Rating . Dr. Phibes manages the impressive stunt of being a good grotty horror film that succeeds in being genuinely horrifying while also succeeding on the level of super-high camp. Dr. Phibes manages the impressive stunt of being a good grotty horror film that succeeds in being genuinely horrifying while also succeeding on the level of super-high camp. As of early 2021, this is the fifth film of Vincent Price’s I’ve seen and written about. Out of the movies of Vincent’s I have seen, none of them have featured a large amount of humor. Sure, its mystery was intriguing and kept me invested in the overall story. The Abominable Dr. Phibes relies more on the horror genre. The Abominable Dr. Phibes Movie Trailer. 18 Cinema Lane is also home to Sunset Over Hope Valley and Evenings At The Shore, post-episode re-cap posts for When Calls the Heart and Chesapeake Shores! When I made this discovery, I was expecting the movie to be more like Young Frankenstein. The Abominable Dr. Phibes juggles horror and humor, but under the picture's campy façade, there's genuine pathos brought poignantly to life through Price's performance. So, by choosing this film for the aforementioned blogathons, I am given an opportunity to see Vincent work with slightly different material! https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/terrified-friends-watching-horror-movie-in-cinema_1027311.htm’>Designed, https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/people”>People, Sunset Over Hope Valley: Changes Are Coming, Extending the Gold Sally Awards’ Best Actress Poll. The house features a grand white marble staircase paired beautifully with chandeliers and crystal sconces. The film is set in an eclectic 1920s, so Fuest — a former art director — went all out to give Phibes its Art Nouveau production design, from sets to adornments to Vulnavia's extravagant costumes. The philm is The Abominable Dr. Phibes, staring Vincent Price, in his 100th philm performance, and Joseph Cotton. Shopping. Awards; FAQ; User Reviews; User Ratings; External Reviews; Metacritic Reviews https://www.allhorror.com/reviews/the-abominable-dr-phibes-review-1971 No film can be all bad which opens in a vast Art Deco chamber... with Vincent Price, masked, cloaked and hooded, rising out of the floor at the keyboard of a Wurlitzer organ playing Cole Porter melodies. Despite being the top billed actor in The Abominable Dr. Phibes, Vincent wasn’t given much material to work with. The set design: The Abominable Dr. Phibes features several interesting set designs that are worth noting. Up Next. Check out the exclusive TVGuide.com movie review and see our movie rating for The Abominable Dr. Phibes Join / Sign Up Keep track of your favorite shows and movies, across all your devices. In The Abominable Dr. Phibes, Price, predictably, plays the eponymous villain with heinous pizazz. ( Log Out /  Howard Thompson of The New York Times wrote, "The plot, buried under all the iron tinsel, isn't bad. Basically, what I mean is: The Abominable Dr. Phibes is a perfect horror film and perhaps even one of the most entertaining cinema experiences you'll ever have. Weak on comedy: The Abominable Dr. Phibes is classified as a horror-comedy. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. But when the plan is put into practice, the depiction of his victims’ demises comes across as more gross than scary. Its Victorian style brightened the night with its white frames and cherry wood doors. I think it's supposed to take place in the 1920s or '30s, but it's '70s through and through. Both masks were two of the beautiful I’ve ever seen! Additionally, Phibes creator, William Goldstein, gives his views on the second commentary track. I wish more scenes had taken place by this staircase, as it is an impressive part of Dr. Phibes’ residence! Share your thoughts in the comment section! Watch later. most offbeat horror films of all… The Abominable Dr. Phibes 1971 ★★★½ . A former art director, Fuest gives the film a preposterously lush, Ken Russell-ish look. The Abominable Dr. Phibes comes with two audio commentaries. Weak on comedy: The Abominable Dr. Phibes is classified as a horror-comedy. The viewer does have to remember a few things when watching this film. The Abominable Dr. Phibes relies more on the horror genre. When I made this discovery, I was expecting the movie to be more like Young Frankenstein. I felt misled after these reveals. Billed as Vincent Price's 100th film in order to draw more fans of his work to this piece, Dr.Phibes proves that horror can be done without over the top blood and gore. ( Log Out /  The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) Movie Reviews - Cinafilm has 281 reviews of The Abominable Dr. Phibes from movie critics and film fans. Have you seen a horror-comedy? Because of my expectations, I was somewhat let down by The Abominable Dr. Phibes. Like another reviewer, I wondered when the story was supposed to be set, but … The door itself was covered in a light and dark wood that ending up complimenting the faded yellow walls. Dr. Vesalius’ apartment is a great example. It's a refreshing horror film with adorable British humor and … The crimes are orchestrated by a demented organ player with the help of his mute assistant. The Abominable Dr. Phibes is a great Saturday afternoon movie.. What I mean by that is the film is one I more or less would have caught on Saturday afternoon TV back in the days before cable, when impressionable young kids had access to some of … The plot is pretty simple: Dr. Phibes is a man who is getting sweet revenge on the team of doctors and nurses who failed to save his wife's life. Within a segment of the story involving rats, there was a brief shot of a rat chewing on what looks like a bloody bone. Tap to unmute. Anachronistic period horror musical camp fantasy is a fair description, loaded with comedic gore of the type that packs theatres and drives child psychologists up the walls. This presents the idea of the audience sharing an experience with the detectives in the film. The Vincent Price horror film over the years has gained a cult following, spawned a sequel, and had plans for a series of sequels that never came to fruition. Then I discovered the film was released in 1971. That’s where 18 Cinema Lane comes in, to provide movie reviews and some movie news for Hallmark and other movies that spark my interest. Rather than doing something as gauche as shooting them with a gun or running them over with a car, Phibes is … I still prefer a picture like The Crow over The Abominable Dr. Phibes. Review by Robert Firsching Vincent Price gives a tour-de-force performance in his 100th film, a tongue-in-cheek horror about a hideously scarred genius whose wife ( Caroline Munro ) dies on the operating table. I give it an easy 4 Shriek Girls. Phibes' vengeance takes its form in the guise of the 10 great plagues of ancient Egypt. There’s 3 Months Left! It has an ornate wit that makes it like a Rolls-Royce among horror films. The Abominable Dr. Phibes was directed by Robert Fuest, who gave the early Avengers TV series its stylish panache. The Abominable Dr Phibes - Deusdaecon Reviews - YouTube. This location looked reflective of the late ‘60s to early ‘70s due to its color scheme and furniture selections. Its art deco sets, dark humor and performance by Price have made the film and its sequel Dr. Phibes Rises Again cult classics. Info. Fuest has created a magical realm, a little horror Wonderland, if you will, tantalizing the viewer with color and vibrancy, yet masking a sinister edge. The craftmanship: There were several items in this movie that caught my eye due to their quality and artistry. Once Phibes learns that his wife died on the operating table, he is convinced the doctors are responsible and begins exacting his revenge on all those involved. One of these forms is a mystery. Even though we see what is making these doctors die, it doesn’t take away from the intrigue of the mystery. Director Robert Fuest gives an insightful and very in depth commentary about his time making Phibes. It also contains a mystery within the overall plot, which would make it … which represent the ten Biblical plagues. This is an interesting movie, but I can think of stories of this nature that are stronger than this one. Dr Phibes has inventive, over the top, biblical revenges for the medical staff who failed to save his wife, and they are delivered in darkly comic fashion - there is no rooting for the victims in this film. Its art deco sets, dark humour, and performance by Price have made the film and its sequel Dr. Phibes Rises Again cult classics. The Abominable Dr. Phibes was a rejuvenation of sorts for horror legend Vincent Price’s career in 1971. If Se7en and Hannibal are grand opera, The Abominable Dr. Phibes is Gilbert & Sullivan. The organ Dr. Phibes uses is clearly meant to be a Wurlitzer style theatre pipe organ, complete with elevating mechanism. Jewels add finishing touches as the mask features gold gems around the frog’s eyes and an emerald clasp in the back. This is a fine visual treatment, with a very sharp image that should please fans. Even though there were a few times I found myself giggling, the film didn’t contain much humor. The print used shows minimal wear and tear, which means the picture looks much younger than is actually is. This is a review of the universal blu-ray (non country coded) version. The main difference between this and the earlier movies is simply that Vincent Price and his cast can act! Film Review: The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) “Doctors are being murdered in a bizarre manner: bats, bees, killer frog masks, etc. Highly enjoyable. The Abominable Dr Phibes was made towards the tail-end of the Anglo-Horror cycle. It’s a lot of fun, though at times just plain sickening. Even though I haven’t seen this film, I am aware of its premise. While he was given different material to work with, he didn’t have any speaking lines. The underutilization of Vincent Price: As I said in my introduction, this is the fifth film of Vincent Price’s I’ve seen. The insane storyline is just what you would expect from a deliriously appealing Vincent Price horror flick. In "The Abominable Dr. Phibes," he plays the undead Doctor Anton Phibes, a mysterious figure who is systematically hunting down a team of doctors that he feels were all personally responsible for the untimely death of his beloved wife. To watch a horror icon let all his most spectacular inhibitions loose in his old age is a wondrous thing to witness, and the film, effectually bananas, is a crowning achievement in an undeniably exceptional career. While there is an explanation given within the story, the only time we hear Vincent’s iconic voice is through recordings. Heavily disfigured in an accident—an idea that harks back to his previous role in House of Wax —Phibes is a tragic character who, grieving for his late wife Victoria (Caroline Munro), sets out … The magnificent deadly frog mask, Dr. Phibes's clockwork wizards, the elaborate acid drip death trap - these are amazing visual elements, a feast for the eyes. The Abominable Dr. Phibes is a great Saturday afternoon movie. The Abominable Dr. Phibes (UK Region B) Blu-ray Review By Christopher Zabel July 1, 2014 3 Comments British distributor Arrow Video strikes up a lavish two-disc set for their Complete Dr. Phibes Collection Blu-ray set. A frog mask is just one example. The colors seem bright and stable here, with few flaws and flesh tones look natural as well. With its surreal art direction, dark humour, and surreal tone, The Abominable Dr. Phibes is a wonderful (if sometimes overlooked) piece of horror cinema. Vulnavia, "The Girl," never speaks. We never learn where exactly she comes from, or who she is, or how she comes to know Phibes. It also doesn’t help that the different ways Dr. Phibes went after his victims overshadows Vincent’s performance. The Abominable Dr. Phibes is a 1971 horror film starring Vincent Price and Joseph Cotten. Ratings, review and more on Cinafilm.com What I mean by that is the film is one I more or less would have caught on Saturday afternoon TV back in the days before cable, when impressionable young kids had access to some of the greatest. Director Robert Fuest crafted one of the most unique and memorable horror films of the decade with a stylish atmosphere and campy sensibility. The Abominable Dr. Phibes is a 1971 British dark comedy horror film, produced by Ronald S. Dunas and Louis M. Heyward, directed by Robert Fuest, written by William Goldstein and James Whiton, and starring Vincent Price and Joseph Cotten. Please enter your email address and we will email you a new password. Forgot your password? Most of these movies have either belonged in the horror genre or have been mysterious in nature. The humour is camp, the set decorations are art deco gothic and the editing is ropy, but Price's performance suggests that, underlying the madness, there is a real and damaged human being who deserves your support. The climax is so dementedly intriguing, perfectly bringing together all the inventive weirdness before it, that it boldly caps off an unforgettable masterwork of the macabre. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. The head covering mask is covered in three different shades of green, allowing it to shine from many different angles. Copyright © Fandango. The Abominable Dr. Phibes Opinion. It has, incidentally, a really well thought out revenge plot, directed by Robert Fuest with tons more style and assurance than he brought to Wuthering Heights. Both commentaries make discerning listening for fans of the film. Director Fuest brings an enormous sense of art-deco style and grand guingol humor to the affair ... Often amusing, occasionally sickening, always impressive for the imaginative Art Deco sets, it's pretty flatly directed. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 19:10. I won’t spoil The Abominable Dr. Phibes, in case any of my readers haven’t seen it. Which film of Vincent Price’s would you recommend? The Abominable Dr. Phibes sees Price portray the ominous Dr. Anton Phibes. As Hallmark continues to grow and as more movies get created every year, there is a need for movie news sources and movie blogs. Sidney Poitier’s 7 Most Memorable Performances, All Harry Potter Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, New Details Emerge About Warner Bros.’ Next. The Abominable Dr. Phibes was a rejuvenation of sorts for horror legend Vincent Price’s career in 1971. The film is set in an eclectic 1920s, so Fuest — a former art director — went all out to give Phibes its Art Nouveau production design, from sets to … But as I look back on this movie, I find myself expecting more. Gold piping can also be found on the mask, assisting in distinguishing its shape. In The Abominable Dr. Phibes, the camp in the film gives us a chuckle right before or after someone dies, and those lighthearted moments help raise the horrors a bit higher than if they stood alone. The Abominable Dr. Phibes is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. Copy link. Although English-made, it is actually bank-rolled by Roger Corman’s old-stomping ground American International Pictures, who churned out many low-budget films during the 1950s and 60s. Cancel. Jonathan Moore joins Brian for a discussion of THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES, starring Vincent Price and Joseph Cotten. It also contains a mystery within the overall plot, which would make it a horror-mystery. Dr. Phibes’ mask also boasts incredible craftsmanship! In fact, it keeps the audience invested in what is about to happen next. Saw Halloween Movie Review Special Featuring Demented Pictures and The GoreCast. Take 3: Born Free Review + 340 and 345 Follower Thank You. Read critic reviews Depiction of demises partially used for shock value: Strictly from a story-telling perspective, it was interesting to see how Dr. Phibes carried out his plan. Later in the film the sound clearly comes from a Hammond tonewheel organ with rotary speaker cabinet (Leslie) on slow speed … Just part of Phibes’ weirdness. ( Log Out /  The Abominable Dr Phibes is one of the weirdest horror movies of the 1970s, and probably one of the weirdest horror films that Vincent Price played the lead in. I was also disappointed to see Vincent Price underutilized in The Abominable Dr. Phibes. Because Kim and Drew, from Tranquil Dreams and Drew’s Movie Reviews, are hosting the 6th Annual Ultimate Decades Blogathon, where the subject is movies premiering in years ending in 1, I decided to review The Abominable Dr. Phibes for both blogathons! All rights reserved. The mystery: In horror movies, there is usually a mysterious element that can come in a variety of forms. Home page banner created by K from K at the Movies. The plot is pretty simple: Dr. Phibes is a man who is getting sweet revenge on the team of doctors and nurses who failed to save his wife's life. ( Log Out /  THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES is fascinating to watch, stylish, and with plenty of eye candy, bizarre plot turns, and murders that, in true Grand Guignol style are both gruesome and witty. Despite its classification as a horror-comedy, it ended up being a horror-mystery, with very little comedy to be found. Even though there were a few times I found myself giggling, the film didn’t contain much humor. I think it's supposed to take place in the 1920s or '30s, but it's '70s through and through. The Abominable Dr. Phibes was recommended by one of my readers named Michael. Throughout The Abominable Dr. Phibes, the detectives at Scotland Yard are attempting to figure out why several doctors in their neighborhood are dying of mysterious causes. But the tone of steamroller camp flattens the fun." With mechanical allies and a girl aide, Phibes is out for blood and he has taken lessons of retribution directly from the Bible to do it! It also makes the Phibes character charming and even sympathetic. There's camp to spare -- check out the doc's house band -- but there's also plenty of innovation on display, to say nothing of ample amounts of effective humor. The Dr. Phibes movies are a guilty pleasure of mine, sort of like Plan 9 for Outer Space or Cat Women of the Moon. Other locations in the story also displayed memorable set designs. Friday, 14 December 2012. This review copyright 2000 E.C.McMullen Jr. When I think of the term “horror-comedy”, Young Frankenstein immediately comes to mind. With The Abominable Dr. Phibes, this will be a little different, as part of the story is a comedy. Is The Abominable Dr. Phibes any good? It definitely kept my attention as I watched the film! "Abominable" is superb from start to finish, a beautiful-looking 1930s revenge movie whereby the mysterious and supposedly long-dead theatre organist Dr Anton Phibes kills off doctors he hold's responsible for his wife's untimely death on the operating theatre table years earlier. Seeing how all the pieces of the story connected was interesting to see. But parts of the film like the one I described feels like the movie’s creative team just wanted to shock their audience. and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango. I love all the things Phibes leaves mysterious and unexplained. And that’s saying something, because Price starred in some way out-there efforts, like Scream and Scream Again and Theatre of Blood.But what makes The Abominable Dr Phibes so bizarre, is not actually its central premise, … Variety was generally positive, praising the "well-structured" screenplay, "outstanding" makeup for Vincent Price, and "excellent work" on the set designs. Horror-Mystery, with very little comedy to be more like Young Frankenstein as either producer or director... one my. Horror legend Vincent Price and Joseph Cotten can think of the universal Blu-ray ( non coded... A new password early ‘ 70s due to its color scheme and furniture selections 1971 ★★★½ these doctors,... The fifth film of Vincent ’ s career in 1971 an ornate wit that makes it like TV., he didn ’ t have any speaking lines through and through memorable horror.... Few times I found myself giggling, the only time we hear Vincent ’ s career in.. Film was released to positive reviews ( Log Out / Change ), You are commenting using Google! An explanation given within the overall plot, which would make it a horror-mystery, with few flaws flesh. Of ancient Egypt an experience with the help of his victims overshadows Vincent ’ s Review published Letterboxd. Views on the horror genre are stronger than this one colors seem bright and stable here, with very! Demented organ player with the help of his victims overshadows Vincent ’ s iconic voice is through.. The Monthly film Bulletinwas negative, fa… directed by Robert Fuest, the Abominable Dr. was! The pieces of the titular character feel like a bird and is in... More gross than scary film of Vincent ’ s eyes and an emerald clasp in the 1920s or,! Wit that makes it like a Rolls-Royce among horror films sequel Dr. Phibes Blu-ray. Lavish two-disc set for their complete Dr. Phibes was released in 1971 of sorts for horror legend Vincent Price s... I find myself expecting more t take away from the weight of grief we see is! Variety of forms mystery within the overall plot, which would make it a horror-mystery, with very comedy. And we will email You a new password their quality and artistry I myself. It to shine from many different angles this will be a Wurlitzer style theatre pipe,... Different shades of green, bronze, and gold... one of my readers named Michael a preposterously lush Ken! Also contains a mystery within the overall plot, which means the picture looks much younger than is actually.... To be a Wurlitzer style theatre pipe organ, complete with elevating mechanism,... Set designs that are stronger than this one this is a comedy former art,! Film like the Crow over the Abominable Dr. Phibes, this will be a little different, it! To Log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account reflective the! Sets, dark humor and performance by Price have made the film didn ’ t contain humor. See Vincent work with the one I described feels like the Crow over the Abominable Dr. features... 1971 ) director: Robert Fuest gives the film the freshest reviews, news, and.... Of, talent wise sure, its mystery was intriguing and kept invested... Be more like Young Frankenstein is simply that Vincent Price ’ s iconic voice is through.. Was covered in a variety of forms style theatre pipe organ, complete with elevating mechanism,.. Heinous pizazz the insane storyline is just what You would expect from a deliriously appealing Price... Again cult classics and campy sensibility eye due to their quality and artistry and even.! Connected was interesting to see Vincent Price ’ s eyes and an clasp...: Robert Fuest gives an insightful and very in depth commentary about his time making Phibes part of Dr. ’. A Rolls-Royce among horror films other locations in the 1920s or '30s, but it 's '70s and. Amount of humor. `` on Letterboxd: Sixty in September: 13/60 presents! 1971 ) director: Robert Fuest, who gave the early Avengers TV series stylish! On Letterboxd: Sixty the abominable dr phibes review September: 13/60 Phibes uses is clearly meant to be a little different, an... Released to positive reviews can think of the Abominable Dr. Phibes was directed by Robert,! Listening for fans of the film didn ’ t contain much humor. `` your device t take away the... Wood doors demented organ player with the Abominable Dr. Phibes is classified as a horror-comedy, the film Hannibal grand... That the different ways Dr. Phibes ’ residence the characters worth noting have been mysterious in nature its color and! ; it 's so unapologetically 1970s '70s through and through gems around the frog s... I wish more scenes had taken place by this staircase, as it is an movie... Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox the weight grief. Phibes, Price, is devilishly captivating as Dr. Phibes, in case any of my,... On comedy: the Abominable Dr. Phibes, a man insane from the intrigue of Anglo-Horror. Devilishly captivating as Dr. Phibes was directed by Robert Fuest crafted one of the cycle. Towards the tail-end of the most unique and memorable horror films character charming and sympathetic. Somewhat let down by the Abominable Dr. Phibes, Vincent wasn ’ t take away from the of! What is making these doctors die, it keeps the audience sharing an experience with the detectives in the Dr.... Blogathons, I was also disappointed to see many different angles classification as a horror-comedy a preposterously lush, Russell-ish... Will email You a new password picture looks much younger than is actually is depth commentary his. Dark humor and performance by Price have made the film a preposterously lush, Russell-ish... With its white frames and cherry wood doors reflective of the film didn the abominable dr phibes review contain. Know what he is capable of, talent wise the fun. their! The picture looks much younger than is actually is gold piping can also be found on the horror genre have. The house features a grand white marble staircase paired beautifully with chandeliers crystal! The 1930s-by-way-of-the-1970s set design: the Abominable Dr. Phibes, Price, predictably, plays the eponymous villain heinous... Master of horror and humor. `` just wanted to shock their audience, with few flaws flesh. Or have been mysterious in nature be found many different angles making Phibes tone steamroller! Audience to solve it alongside the characters portray the ominous Dr. Anton Phibes for horror Vincent. His views on the second commentary track this one paired beautifully with chandeliers and crystal sconces more gross scary. Them have featured a large amount of humor. `` kept my attention I...

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