The Return of Doctor X

AAh, good old Dr. X! To some Humphrey Bogart fans, this movie did not go over so well, however, there are those who think this wasn't so bad a movie. I was first introduced to this movie when KZAZ-TV Ch. 11 (now KMSB) would have "Humphrey Bogart Movie Weekend" from time to time. This was shown late Fri. evening/early Sat. morning. Anyways, released in 1939 from Warner Bros./First National pictures, this is the story of unexplained murders & the law along with some other interesting characters who try to find out who is behind these deaths. If I try to go on about this movie, I might give some things away so here is where I'll stop. Although there were some not so good things that were said about this movie, I for one thought this was a "good" movie. If you are a Boggie fan, then you might enjoy this 30's gem. Enjoy!

A hotshot reporter (Wayne Morris) and a young doctor (Dennis Morgan) team up to investigate a series of grisly murders and a mysterious sample of synthetic blood. This film has become somewhat notorious for being one of Humphrey Bogart's earliest roles, and one that he spent his life trying to ignore. For some reason, rather than embrace it, he seemed to be horrified by the subject matter and offended that he was forced to take part. He should be grateful: it is one of the few films he was able to give even a bit of range in his acting. What is troubling is not the subject matter, but the attempt to pass this off as a sequel to "Doctor X". Although both films feature a character named Maurice Xavier, there seems to be no connection between them. They are not played by the same actor, and the first X was not a bad guy, even if he might have been eccentric. This second one is a child murderer...

Had this film not cast Humphrey Bogart as the title mad scientist, this film would probably regarded as just another 1930's big studio "B" thriller. Bogart tries hard , but he is Bogart, and its just to hard to take seeing him playing an executed mad scientist brought back from the dead who is now a scientific vampire. Supposedly, Boris Karloff was slated to play the title role, but was not available. I have to admit I was very impressed with the films art direction (credited to Esdras Hartley.) The laboratory of Dr. Flegg consists of a maze of glass tubes dripping a dark fluid in beakers, and has the look of a giant circulatory system, reflecting the films emphasis on blood. Hollywood legend has it that Bogart was having trouble with WB brass at the time with the type roles they were giving him. The WB brass wanted to punish him by casting him in this and KING OF THE UNDERWORLD in order show Bogie who was boss.

Many of these low budget films made by First National in the late 1930's, sort out many up and coming movie stars. There was other films called "The Strange Case of Dr. RX (Universal 1942) They knew that Humphrey Bogart was a great star in "Dead End" 1937, so they hired Bogart, who was willing to play any character he was offered at the time, when money was very hard to come by as an actor just starting out in films. Wayne Morris (Walter "Wichita" Garrett) played a dippy newspaper reporter, but in real life was a War Hero in WWII and starred in "Paths of Glory" which was a great success. If you look close, Huntz Hall (Pinky) who was one of the Bowery Boys and also appeared in "Dead End" '37 as "Dippy" all were starting their careers. No matter what you think of this film, you have to consider the background years when this film was made and enjoy seeing great actors JUST STARTING OUT IN LIFE !

Fans of Bogey like to Scoff at this "Miscasting" and Bogart would Demean and Destroy this Movie at the Drop of a Hat, but...Bogart shows Range and Style and is as Creepy as They Come. Playing a Resurrected Mad Scientist with a Blood Craving Disease He manages to Steal the Movie. Not that Hard considering it is not really a Return or Sequel, the Dated Comedy elements Threaten to Sink the Thing from the start, and this Short LIttle B-Picture was not really Warner Brothers Forte. It's a genuine Horror Film nonetheless with enough Lurid and Scary elements to Sustain the Shortcomings. Although Bogart makes it His Film, some others also Impress. John Litel as the Serious Scientist trying to Find a Cure for Diseased Blood and Lya Lys as an Actress falling Victim to the Madness shines in few Brief Scenes. Can be Appreciated Out of Context for Humphrey Bogart's Iconic Career and the Comedy inclusions Ignored, This is a Pretty Good Entry in Thirties Horror.