The Mad Magician

Overview

In this horror film, originally released in 3-D, a magician goes on the rampage after a rival steels his secrets and his wife. His next performance involves the usual magic tricks--and death as he begins killing his quarry in very strange ways.

Product Details

Release Date:	07/03/2012
UPC:	0043396404953
Original Release:	1954
Rating:	NR
Source:	ALLIED VAUGHN
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Stereo]
Language:	English
Sales rank:	45,565

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Vincent Price	Gallico
Mary Murphy	Karen Lee
Eva Gabor	Claire
John Emery	Rinaldi
Donald Randolph	Ross Ormond,Ross Ormond
Lenita Lane	Alice Prentiss
Patrick O'Neal	Bruce Allen
Jay Novello	Mr. Prentiss
Art Lange	Composer
Emil Newman	Composer

Technical Credits

Crane Wilbur

John Brahm	Director
Crane Wilbur	Screenwriter
Bryan Foy	Producer

Editorial Reviews

Lifting two primary elements from 1953's House of Wax -- Vincent Price and 3-D photography -- director John Brahm created a solid little thriller that overcame its gimmicky background. The story follows a talented aspiring magician (Price) who turns murderous after being snubbed one too many times. The exciting murder scenes smartly make use of the magician's fantastic illusions, which include a buzzsaw and a crematorium, the latter of which comes into play during a frightening finale. With the killings all occurring off-screen, there is no visible bloodshed although some could have been used after Price's Gallico decapitates a man with a buzzsaw and then answers the door perfectly clean. Price delivers a strong performance as the mad magician with a gentle side, a role that is practically identical to the one he played in House of Wax. Other cast notables include Eva Gabor as Gallico's money-hungry ex-wife, Donald Randolph as the buzzsaw victim, and Lenita Lane as the curious mystery writer who helps to solve the case. The screenplay by Crane Wilbur adds some subtle, but twisted depth to a film that was meant for young Saturday matinee audiences. In one sequence, Price's Gallico places a victim's head in his bag, which is then accidentally picked up by his assistant and recovered after a chase that is both funny and thrilling. The following scene finds Price disposing of the whole body -- disguised as a dummy -- by hefting it onto a bonfire during a football pep rally!