In this atmospheric psychological thriller, a mysterious and suave physician with a shadowy past marries a series of wealthy women—each of whom meets an untimely and suspicious death. As suspicion mounts, a determined psychiatrist and an intrepid journalist race to expose his deadly secrets before another victim falls prey to his sinister charm.
Genre: Mystery / Thriller / Horror
Director: Tim Whelan
Tim Whelan was a versatile American director and screenwriter known for both comedies and suspense films. Born in 1893, he worked in both Hollywood and Britain, co-directing some of the early sound-era classics such as “The Thief of Bagdad” (1940). His career spanned from silent films to mid-1940s sound pictures, and he was admired for his stylish visual storytelling and pacing.
Star Cast:
- Basil Rathbone as Dr. George Sebastian
- Ellen Drew as Linda Boothe
- John Howard as Gil Harding
- Martin Kosleck as Maurice, the assistant
- Ralph Morgan as Dr. Downer
- Charles Lane as the hospital intern
Upon release, The Mad Doctor received a mixed critical reception. Audiences were intrigued by Basil Rathbone’s chilling performance, especially given his popularity as Sherlock Holmes at the time. However, some reviewers criticized the film’s predictable plot and its reliance on genre clichés. Over the years, it has gained a modest cult following among fans of early horror-thrillers and Rathbone’s darker roles.
Fun Facts:
- The film was released by Paramount Pictures during the height of Basil Rathbone’s fame as Sherlock Holmes, making his turn as a villain particularly striking for audiences.
- The studio reportedly had to tone down some elements to satisfy the Production Code, especially regarding the doctor’s methods and motivations.
- Martin Kosleck, who played the doctor’s eerie assistant, became known for playing sinister characters, including several portrayals of Joseph Goebbels during World War II.
- Though not a major hit, the film is often cited as an example of 1940s Hollywood blending Gothic horror with modern psychological suspense.
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