The Abominable Dr. Phibes

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The Abominable Dr. Phibes

PG-13

1971

1h 33m

Horror

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

41 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

In a desperate attempt to reach his ill wife, organist Anton Phibes (Vincent Price) is horrifically disfigured in a car accident and presumed dead. When he learns that his wife died during an operation, Phibes blames her surgeons and plots an elaborate revenge to punish them for their incompetence. With the help of a mute assistant (Virginia North), Phibes creates a mask resembling his own face and murders the surgeons one by one using bizarre methods inspired by the biblical plagues.

Critics Consensus

The Abominable Dr. Phibes juggles horror and humor, but under the picture's campy façade, there's genuine pathos brought poignantly to life through Price's performance.

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David Robinson

Financial Times

Mr. Fuest makes very tolerable use of bis means: added to which he has the overwhelming advantage of Vincent Price as the Abominable Doctor.

May 14, 2020

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Margaret Hinxman

Daily Telegraph (UK)

It has, incidentally, a really well thought out revenge plot, directed by Robert Fuest with tons more style and assurance than he brought to Wuthering Heights.

May 14, 2020

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

A former art director, Fuest gives the film a preposterously lush, Ken Russell-ish look. Highly enjoyable.

Oct 19, 2016

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Rosalie Kicks

MovieJawn

I believe this specific film was especially made for me.

Rated: 3.75/4

Jun 19, 2024

Full Review

Kristin Battestella

InSession Film

Distorted editing accents the suspense, archaeology adventure, Egyptian elixirs, and demented love story...

Apr 19, 2024

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

There's plenty of innovation on display, to say nothing of ample amounts of effective humor.

Rated: 3/4

Apr 23, 2022

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Lau S

I love this horror movie! Damn great!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/29/25

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CodyZamboni Z

Amusing, Fast paced, Campy, horror comedy, Vincent Price brings menace and style to the title role, Taking his revenge on doctors who didn’t save his wife, Methods of execution, taken from Exodus, are outrageous and disturbing, With one contraption reminding me of the Saw movies, The supporting cast give their all, Also noteworthy - the flamboyant production design,

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/25

Full Review

Dallas H

Creepy factor and Vincent Price? Yes, please.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

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S R

Cult movie that I didn't really enjoy. Some interesting ideas, but it seemed more like an LSD trip. Saw on TCM.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/07/23

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Mike F

The first word I would use to describe this movie is strange, however, I very much enjoyed the humor of this movie. This was likely the origin of Saw, as the dramatic last scene looked eerily familiar.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/29/23

Full Review

William D

Overall, a fun film to watch with many disturbing and suspenseful scenes. It stars a brilliant Vincent Price and many other solid performances. The screenplay and storyline are interesting and engage the audience until the end.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/04/23

Full Review

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Robert Fuest

Director

Vincent Price

Dr. Anton Phibes

Joseph Cotten

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Terry-Thomas

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Hugh Griffith

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Synopsis

In a desperate attempt to reach his ill wife, organist Anton Phibes (Vincent Price) is horrifically disfigured in a car accident and presumed dead. When he learns that his wife died during an operation, Phibes blames her surgeons and plots an elaborate revenge to punish them for their incompetence. With the help of a mute assistant (Virginia North), Phibes creates a mask resembling his own face and murders the surgeons one by one using bizarre methods inspired by the biblical plagues.

Director: Robert Fuest
Producer: Louis M. Heyward, Ronald Dunas
Screenwriter: James Whiton, William Goldstein
Distributor: Live Video, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., Image Entertainment Inc., Orion Pictures, American International Pictures, Vestron Video, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: American International Pictures (AIP)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 18, 1971, Original
Release Date (DVD): Feb 20, 2001
Runtime: 1h 33m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: 35mm, Flat (1.85:1)