I Watch Films: The Abominable Dr Phibes

The Abominable Doctor Phibes

Dr Phibes wife died while he was away, and his car crashed as he raced to return. Believed dead, in fact he survived as a hideously disfigured man with his voice destroyed and only audible by use of a machine linked by cable from his neck to a gramophone horn. He blames the nine medical staff who attended his wife for her death and decides to take revenge. His doctorates were in theology and music so he chooses methods based on the biblical plagues of Egypt.

So far so weird serial killer. But Dr Phibes has a big house with an organ that rises and fall through the floor, as well as a clockwork band that plays a variety of tunes. He is assisted by Miss Vulnavia, whose every costume is more fabulous than the next. He’s also played by Vincent Price, who gives full theatrical flair to every scene. Meanwhile the police are incredulous, even the detective inspector who is investigating the weird murders breaks into the case by linking the doctors together, rather than (for example) tracking down the source of the bats from one of the killings.

This is by turns camp, horrifying, clever and silly. A truly extraordinary horror film that is also very funny.

Watch This: A zany and frankly bonkers horror film with striking setpieces
Don’t Watch This: Vincent Price camping it up for all he’s worth is not for you