There is no way that this horror film from "Warner Bros." can be compared with the 1932 masterpiece. That other film had style, imagination, great acting and direction, plus it was genuinely eerie. This 1939 film is strictly routine fare and at best, is a tolerable programmer. The low budget is in evidence but that has always been the way for most horror films. Humphrey Bogart looks slightly ill at ease in his role of a dead man brought back to life. According to various reports, he slammed his copy of the script across the desk of Jack Warner and demanded more money for having to appear in this particular film. However, at least he is making an effort in being a bit different in his performance and he is the best known actor by far in "The Return of Doctor X." Wayne Morris and Dennis Morgan join forces in order to determine what the mysterious Doctor Xavier has been up to, regarding some of his patients at the local hospital. The actor who plays the evil doctor is rather stiff and dull. No way can he hold a candle to the creepy and effective performance of Lionel Atwill from the 1932 film. The script isn't up to much but the pace of the film keeps everything ticking along agreeably enough. The running time is just over an hour which is a relief.
Review of The Return of Doctor X
