Directed By Michael Curtiz
SYNOPSIS
A wise-cracking reporter (Lee Tracy) yearns to solve the mystery of "The Moon Killer." Someone has strangled several people and cannibalized them and used surgical equipment. The search for the killer turns toward the nearby surgical academy, where there are many potential suspects, including Doctor X (Lionel Atwill.) While investigating, the reporter falls for X's daughter (Fay Wray.)
A unique but flawed film.
Doctor X was one of the few films shot in the Technicolor two-strip process. Two-strip didn't give anywhere near a complete range of colors, like later three-strip films such as The Adventures of Robin Hood. Greens, browns, yellows, and flesh colors are dominant, adding ample eeriness to the film.
But that's where most of the eeriness ends. Lee Tracy's role as the reporter is played for comedy. He's so over the top that he is annoying and obnoxious and you want the killer to get him. (sadly, this doesn't happen)
The whole middle of the film is devoted to people talking about the killer and little actually happens. The film draws to a crawl. You're more likely to nod off than experience any 'uneasy feelings.' There are also plot holes galore that are a mile-wide, never to be addressed.
The last few minutes are fun to watch. The plot thickens and the killer is revealed by transforming himself into a monster, smearing artificial skin over his face. A bizarre moment with outstanding makeup courtesy of Max Factor. And Fay Wray gets a few good screams in. Bu that's about it.
Doctor X is another obvious 'pre-code' film. Soon-to-be-taboo subjects like erotic magazines and cannibalism add spicy flavor to the film but ultimately don't help pull the film up to 'classic' status. Tracy's overly comic role and the lack of a strong middle keep the film from greatness, but it is still fascinating to watch at least for the primitive Technicolor.
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