The Mad Doctor
"DEATH LURKED IN HIS HYPNOTIC EYES!"
Synopsis
A reporter sleuths the mystery behind an oft-married Viennese doctor whose wives met mysterious fates.
Principal Cast8

Basil Rathbone
Dr. George Sebastian / Dr. Langamann

Ellen Drew
Linda Booth

John Howard
Gil Sawyer

Barbara Jo Allen
Louise Watkins (as Barbara Allen [Vera Vague])

Ralph Morgan
Dr. Charles Downer

Martin Kosleck
Maurice Gretz

Kitty Kelly
Winnie

Hugh O'Connell
Lawrence Watkins
Media9
Backdrops
Posters
Director

Tim Whelan
Director →
Trailer
Certification
NRKeywords
External Links
Reviews1
There is something really quite sinister to Basil Rathbone's title performance in this rather intimidating psychological thriller. We know from the outset that he has disposed of his wife "Ida" - ostensibly pneumonia - but the local physician "Dr. Downer" (Ralph Morgan) is suspicious. Shortly after cleaning up on the inheritance, he moves with his friend "Maurice" (Martin Kosleck) to start afresh. Now you don't have to be Einstein to recognise that these two men are more than just roomies, and that causes a bit of consternation when "Dr. Sebastian" finds new prey. This time, in the guise of the deeply troubled "Linda" (Ellen Drew). With a marriage and a trip to Quito on the cards, might history be about to repeat itself? Well, fortunately for "Linda" reporter "Sawyer" (John Howard) is also a bit suspicious of the man, and after a bit of investigation and a chat with "Downer", the two begin to piece together quite a different persona for Rathbone than the one he has been successful peddling thus far. Can they act in time to thwart his malevolent plan? Tim Whelan allows his star to exude menace here. The script is really only adequate, but the pace is good and the gradually accumulating sense of peril - and a wonderfully seedy contribution from the increasingly envious "Maurice" leads us towards a conclusion where nothing is predictable. Actually, on that front I was a little disappointed, but all in all, this is a dark and effective tale of manipulation that is well worth a watch.
Apr 16, 2023



























