The MARCH of Death, Day 10: The Abominable Dr. Phibes

So here we are again. Another Vincent Price vehicle, another trip to yesteryear. 1971’s The Abominable Dr. Phibes is quite a ride. It seems doctors are being killed off one at a time in ways that mirror the nine biblical plagues. Hot on the killer’s trail, the detectives working the case are becoming more and more puzzled. You see, these doctors are all linked to the failed operation on one Dr. Phibes’ deceased wife. Once this fact surfaces, the case becomes even more difficult to solve. Seems Dr. Phibes died shortly after his wife’s death in a tragic car accident. What a setup! And true to it’s title, Dr. Phibes truly is abominable. Vincent Price once again commands every scene he is present in. The atmosphere and mood in this 70’s thrill ride is thick as the fog in a London alley, and because of this, the ride couldn’t be more enjoyable. I have to admit that this film would hardly seem to fit into my wheel house; being that it’s kind of a comedy/musical/horror/thri

ller; but pigeon holes be damned! I love this movie! To define it through these genre trappings alone is a bit of a disservice. I would rather refer to The Abominable Dr. Phibes as that little 70’s gem of a film that guides you into a trance of horrifically silly pleasure.


The Abominable Dr. Phibes
1971
Director: Robert Fuest
Starring: Vincent Price
8/10 Farmhouses ~ Chris Conduit