Buy Mad Magician, The (1954)

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Recently WB has announced an October release for House of Wax in bluray 3D format. Let's earnestly hope The Mad Magician will also be released in 3D. I saw the original 1954 release and, like Vincent Price's 1953 film, this one was very successful with 3D effects. Probably this was the film that cemented Mr. Price's future roles as a horror icon.

I'm wondering if the DVD reviewed by others is not cropped to achieve a "wide screen" effect as I recollect absolutely NO 3D movie in the '50's also being filmed for CinemaScope release, which would have been most awkward for theaters then to exhibit as the 3D flicks were exhibited utilizing two synchronized projectors. Since few movie theaters had more than a couple of projectors, the 3D movies were sent on extra large reels which necessitated an intermission mid-way to change both reels. When 3D was tried again in the early 1980's, a method had been devised to place the left and right images on one reel.

The Mad Magician has lots of nifty action and quite a few items thrown from the screen into your face, the very thing which we children in '53-'54 loved about them!

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"The Mad Magician" exhibits the formula for all future Vincent Price starring vehicles about wronged or psychotically persecuted madmen seeking revenge.This particular story depicts Price as an inventor of magic tricks who has them stolen by rival magicians.Being ripped-off and having his wife taken away by another,Price is driven to murder and once he kills them,impersonates them as well.I also would like to acknowledge the director of this film.A somewhat noted director in his own right,John Brahm has molded a modest yet effective straight forward thriller.Although,it's not quite on par with "The Lodger","Hangover Square" or even the many classic TV episodes He helmed for "Alfred Hitchcock Presents","The Twilight Zone" and "Thriller",it is well-paced and acted.In this film,Vincent Price effectively garners sympathy for his character and although,it's not on the same level as "The Abominable Dr. Phibes","Theater of Blood"or the the film released the year before,"House Of Wax,"The Mad Magician" should warmly,be regarded as the blueprint for these later horror masterpieces with the great Vincent Price.

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This is one of Vincent Prices best! It's a great classic black and white mystery. I wouldn't say horror cause you never

see any blood which isn't needed! The writing and directing and acting is above average! You get a young Vincent Price and

Eva Gabor and Patrick O'Neil as the detective! I think if you liked House of Wax you'll love this. it's a fun movie.

Honest reviews on Mad Magician, The (1954)

Really enjoyed this movie. It is one of the best horror/suspense movies i have seen. Vincent Price at his Best. Would Recommend. Could watch over and over again.

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The Mad Magician (Columbia, 1954) is a very close relative to

House Of Wax (Warners 1953). I love black and white movies,

but The Mad Magician suffers slightly to House Of Wax by comparison.

I can't help think that if The Mad Magician had been filmed in color,

it would be elevated to the level of House Of Wax. Both films star

Vincent Price and both were released in 3-D, while The Mad Magician

was a widescreen effort as well.

Magician has a very good story to tell with a few twists and turns

and is very enjoyable. Originally, I had dismissed it as an inferior

attempt to re-create the huge success of House Of Wax, but now

I find I was unfair.

Cinemascope and 3-D were Hollywood's answer to poor attendance

at the movies due to the enormous popularity of TV. However,

3-D's popularity only lasted from 1953-1954, but made a big revival

in the last ten years or so.

The DVD release of The Mad Magician is presented in the widescreen

format and the black and white picture quality is excellent.

House Of Wax and The Mad Magician would make a great double feature.

Decide for yourself which is more enjoyable.