Reporter Walt Garrett (Wayne Morris) stumbles into the biggest story of his career. A fiend is running around draining people of their blood; who could be responsible? Walt, trying desperately to vindicate himself and save his career, does a lot of sleuthing with a friend of his, a young doctor named Michael Rhodes (Dennis Morgan).
Co-star Humphrey Bogart was none too happy to be doing this feature, believing his role was more for the likes of Karloff and Lugosi. But his fans will be greatly intrigued to see him in this one-shot genre role, and certainly Dr. Quesne is one of the creepiest that he ever played. Pasty faced, with a shock of white hair, and given to cuddling bunnies, this *is* a fun character. Basically, what gives "The Return of Doctor X" any stature is the fact that it's Bogart playing this villain.
The story is still punchy and entertaining. Scripted by Lee Katz, it's notable for a lot of lively and sometimes funny dialogue. Morris is quite engaging in the primary role, and Morgan is similarly likable. Rosemary Lane is lovely and amiable as Joan Vance, the dedicated nurse who catches Rhodes's eye. There's an amusing small role for Huntz Hall, and appearances by a number of top character actors - John Litel (as the well meaning Dr. Flegg), Charles C. Wilson, Olin Howland, Creighton Hale, John Ridgely, Glenn Langan, and Ian Wolfe.
The movie benefits from a breezy pace, snappy direction by Vincent Sherman, and a decent finale.
Six out of 10.
Co-star Humphrey Bogart was none too happy to be doing this feature, believing his role was more for the likes of Karloff and Lugosi. But his fans will be greatly intrigued to see him in this one-shot genre role, and certainly Dr. Quesne is one of the creepiest that he ever played. Pasty faced, with a shock of white hair, and given to cuddling bunnies, this *is* a fun character. Basically, what gives "The Return of Doctor X" any stature is the fact that it's Bogart playing this villain.
The story is still punchy and entertaining. Scripted by Lee Katz, it's notable for a lot of lively and sometimes funny dialogue. Morris is quite engaging in the primary role, and Morgan is similarly likable. Rosemary Lane is lovely and amiable as Joan Vance, the dedicated nurse who catches Rhodes's eye. There's an amusing small role for Huntz Hall, and appearances by a number of top character actors - John Litel (as the well meaning Dr. Flegg), Charles C. Wilson, Olin Howland, Creighton Hale, John Ridgely, Glenn Langan, and Ian Wolfe.
The movie benefits from a breezy pace, snappy direction by Vincent Sherman, and a decent finale.
Six out of 10.