The Clairvoyant (1935)

A fake music-hall clairvoyant meets a woman, and suddenly his predictions seem to come true ...

Director:

Maurice Elvey

Writers:

Charles Bennett (by), Ernst Lothar (based on the novel: "The Clairvoyant" by) (as Ernest Lothar)

Stars:

Claude Rains, Fay Wray, Mary Clare

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Claude Rains	...	Maximus
Fay Wray	...	Rene
Mary Clare	...	Mother
Ben Field	...	Simon
Jane Baxter	...	Christine
Athole Stewart	...	Lord Southwood
C. Denier Warren	...	Bimeter

Storyline

Maximus, a small-time music hall mind reader, has frightening flashes of precognition; but he cannot predict or control them ...until he realizes he has them in the presence of Christine, attractive daughter of a publisher, who makes Rene, his equally lovely wife, wretchedly jealous. But worse trouble comes to Maximus when he's accused of causing a disaster he predicted.

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Plot Keywords:

psychotronic film | horse races | 1930s | binoculars | theatre | 

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Taglines:

HEXED BY THE EVIL EYE

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

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Certificate:

Passed

Did You Know?

Quotes

Maximus: Darling, you're being rather childish.
Rene: It's only because I love you rather a lot.

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Alternate Versions

Scratchy multi-generation prints shown on TV under the title The Evil Mind are from a 68 min. reissue with different titles than the British original.

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Connections

Edited from Le tunnel (1933)

User Reviews

Old-Fashioned Psychic Fun!

Claude Rains plays the psychic Maximus, a man with no discernable talent until his mind connects with a newspaperman's heiress daughter. This little film directed with some panache and skill by Maurice Elvey chronicles the abrupt rise and fall of a vaudevillian-like music hall act. Rains is, as always, very good. A good performance with some moments of genuine ham - just watch him do the things with his eyes. Fay Wray is also a nice asset as his wife. She seems to be very bubbly and brings some gentle humor and emotion to the film. The story has some nice twists and turns and has a surprise ending of sorts. The film is obviously somewhat old and has some creaky qualities to it as well. All in all, however; I found The Clairvoyant to be a nice way to spend a cold evening.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 July 1935 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Evil Mind

Filming Locations:

Gainsborough Studios, Islington, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gaumont British Picture Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

81 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Full Range Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1