Director Harald Reinl(The Torture Chamber of Dr. Sadism)helms this solid, complex Krimi, another entertaining entry in the Dr. Mabuse series starring Gert Fröbe(..the great Bond villain, Goldfinger)as an inspector, Lohmann, investigating a case in regards to several murders connected to a crime syndicate. Lohmann soon discovers that the murders are connected to a prison ran by Warden Wolf(Fausto Tozzi)with certain prisoners, hypnotized and operating at another's orders, willing to kill for the mastermind over their control, that being Dr. Mabuse himself. Along for the ride are Lex Barker, as a double agent, Joe Corno/Nick Scappio and reporter Dahlia Lavi(..as Maria Sabrehm). As the mystery unravels, Maria is actually daughter to a brilliant chemist unjustly sent to prison, Professor Julius Sabrehm, who has reluctantly provided the chemical agent which removes the humanity of prisoners, which conditions them to follow orders at the will of their controller. Werner Peters is Böhmler, whose responsibilities are to keep the prisoners in line, and secretly reports to Mabuse. Rudolf Fernau is Pfarrer Briefenstein, a suspicious priest, who may also be part of Mabuse's network, operatives using his church as a base. The movie's plot stays busy, keeping your mind occupied, as Lohmann attempts to tear apart the syndicate with Mabuse quietly orchestrating a plot to attack an atomic power plant using the zombie prisoners. Characters like Joe Como and Maria have their own agendas, so the film often keeps you guessing as to the characters' motivations and who Lohmann can trust. It was neat seeing Fröbe in the detective role, trying to uncover the truth as to where Mabuse is located(..if it is even Mabuse;he's supposed to be dead)and how to stop him. Lavi is just to die for, positively gorgeous, with those wonderful curves..what a fine specimen. I thought RETURN OF DR MABUSE was quite atmospheric with a fine detective story that maintains interest, even if you can figure out the mastermind of the operation. I liked the mad science aspects as to how Mabuse commands his zombie soldiers and watching Lohmann's response to the diabolical criminal..the cat-and-mouse between the two always keeps the plot interesting. I also liked how Lohmann isn't the most perfect inspector, sometimes outwitted by Mabuse(..of course, he does put together the pieces of the puzzle, but Mabuse, at times, gains the upper hand).Intriguing idea regarding Mabuse's use of criminals, his main base of operations being a prison..talk about thumbing your nose to the police!
Review of The Return of Dr. Mabuse
