Did you people see the same film I saw?

Crappy film

A brilliant film that helped define a genre

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

This is a stylish and clever movie. It's very colorful and the elaborate murder sequences are a lot of fun to watch. Dr. Phibes as a character is very cool. He could easily make for a Batman villain. The final reveal of his true appearance reiterates this point. Of course this character is brought to life by the legendary Vincent Price. This is also a period movie, set in England of the early 1900s. The set-pieces are colorful, and I always enjoy seeing the beautiful classic cars and planes. The greatest set-piece is Dr. Phibes lair, which again (and awesomely), makes him seem like something out of a comic book.

Much like many evenings before, I felt the lacking of a great feature film to engage my prefrontal cortex. And since my go-to tends to be horror and horror only, I decided to change things up a little bit with a Horror/Comedy. Usually I try to stay away from this rather ambiguous mix of genres, but since I've got a weak spot for 70's horror, I gave it a shot. And boy, am I glad I did.From the very beginning there is something about the setting of the scene and the tension clouding up the room in its own silent way that reminded me of "The Holy Mountain", by the great Alejandro Jodorowsky. A somewhat strange comparison you might think, but it doesn't strike me as strange at all; maybe it was a favorable way for directors to approach the arts in the 70's. Whatever the common denominator might be, the opening scene presented, in my opinion, an undertone of similar vibes as that of "The Holy Mountain"; which is a good thing, of course. Overall, the film isn't all that scary, I must say. But that doesn't take away the fact that it is a great film. And also I wonder how scary a horror/comedy can get without it being a straight up horror film. Anyhow, even if it doesn't make my hair stand up on end it is still a great horror story. The film is an impeccable mix of the two genres; it's predominantly horror, with the occasional (and well placed) joke making an entrance when you least expect it.The comic elements sneak up from behind and grab you by surprise. At times, the jokes enter on such uninvited note that it really catches you off guard and make you burst into laughter. It is really my type of humor - black comedy. Compared to today's black comedy, it might appear somewhat modest, naturally; although how modest it might seem today, I'm sure that it was all but in the 70's. Overall, "The Abominable Dr. Phibes" is a film worth your while. If you enjoy a solid 1970's horror flick and at the same time don't mind the occasional laughter, you can't go wrong with this one. Even if you tend to avoid horror/comedy films, like me, I recommend that you give this one a go - it's timeless.

I don't know how this stacks up in the annals of successful horror films. The plot is strained as a man seeks revenge on every participant in the operating room where his wife died. There are nine of them. Nobody does painful angst better than Vincent Price. He is Dr. Phibes and his performance is the be all and end all of this film. He is bitter and morose and cackles and fumes as he does in one after another. The ways that he murders these people are creative and almost masterful. He is an artist and a musician and he manages to strike a chord with all of us. If you love Vincent price, don't back away from this film.

You know you're not in for an ordinary horror film in the first few minutes, when a black, hooded figure plays a hot pink-coloured organ and strikes up a jazz band consisting of clockwork players! And so we are introduced to Doctor Anton Phibes, one of the most delightful, funny and strangely touching characters ever to be played by Vincent Price. Whatta Guy! It isn't long before Doc Phibes gets down to business, namely murdering the doctors or medical assistants whom he blames for his wife's death upon the operating table. Each is dispatched with references to one of the ten curses of Egypt, and what a grisly, hilarious combination they make! From a head-crushing frog mask to being eaten by locusts after being covered in a goop made from Brussel sprouts, (with Price on hand to discard vegetables that don't meet his quality control standards!) there are some marvellously inventive deaths here.Director Robert Fuest, a former set designer, makes full use of Brian Eatwell's splendidly evocative 20's art-deco sets. And with two hilariously incompetent cops on Phibes' trail - "I think it's a left hand thread." - the whole film is a joy to watch. Indeed, The Abominable Doctor Phibes is probably the first notable body count horror to be made, delightfully misanthropic, and splendidly entertaining.And of course, the film is made unique by the playing of the ever- brilliant Vincent Price; who else could have played Phibes? He even brings a touch of pathos to his villainous role, and had me laughing out loud several times, most notably with a rather unique method for imbibing the vino! The Abominable Doctor Phibes is a great film, and for me one of the highlights of Price's horror career.