Experiment Perilous (1944)In 1903, a doctor suspects murder in the gothic Bederaux family. Director:Jacques Tourneur |
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Experiment Perilous (1944)In 1903, a doctor suspects murder in the gothic Bederaux family. Director:Jacques Tourneur |
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| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Hedy Lamarr | ... |
Allida Bederaux
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George Brent | ... |
Dr. Huntington Bailey
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| Paul Lukas | ... |
Nick Bederaux
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| Albert Dekker | ... |
Clag
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Carl Esmond | ... |
Maitland
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Olive Blakeney | ... |
Cissie
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George N. Neise | ... |
Alec
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Margaret Wycherly | ... |
Maggie
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Stephanie Bachelor | ... |
Elaine
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Mary Servoss | ... |
Miss Wilson
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Julia Dean | ... |
Deria
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William Post Jr. | ... |
District Attorney
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In 1903, Dr. Bailey meets a very strange woman on a train, then hears that she has died under mysterious circumstances. Through a friend, he becomes acquainted with the Bederaux family, all of whom seem to be neurotic and secretive; but the beauty of Alida Bederaux draws him into their circle...deeper than he'd planned. Who's in danger from whom? Who's crazy? Who can fathom the obscure motivations? Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>
Jack Tourneur knew how to build an ominous atmosphere :remember the scenes at the pool in "cat people",the meeting on the moor in "circle of danger" and almost everything in " night of the demon".
The meeting with the old Clarissa on the train,the station where she leaves the hero ,and the way she says goodbye (actually farewell) is almost supernatural.Then the extraordinary beauty of Hedy Lamarr and her picture add to build an eerie atmosphere ,sometimes recalling as user has pointed out ,"gaslight" .
The script,however ,does not always make sense ,and lacks focus ,unlike the three other works I mention.But just for the atmosphere ,this is another Tourneur you should not miss.