The Abominable Dr. Phibes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A disfigured organist uses the ten plagues of Egypt to take revenge on the doctors who couldn’t save his wife, proving that musical instruments and biblical knowledge can be deadly.

🍿 The Abominable Dr. Phibes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Series of Bizarre Murders

In London, a series of doctors meet gruesome and unusual ends, each death seemingly inspired by the ten plagues of Egypt. Detective Inspector Trout and Sergeant Schenley are baffled by the seemingly unconnected victims and the outlandish methods of their demise. The victims include doctors killed by bats, bees, and a strangling frog mask at a costume ball, each death more bizarre than the last.

The Connection to Dr. Vesalius

As the investigation progresses, Trout and Schenley discover that all the deceased doctors were connected to Dr. Vesalius, a renowned surgeon. They soon realize that all the doctors were involved in the unsuccessful operation on Victoria Phibes, the wife of musicologist and theologian Dr. Anton Phibes. The detectives start to suspect that someone is seeking revenge for her death.

The Haunting of Dr. Phibes

Dr. Anton Phibes was presumed dead in a car crash while rushing to his wife’s side. However, it becomes increasingly clear that he is not only alive but also the mastermind behind the macabre murders. Scarred and unable to speak, Phibes uses his knowledge of music, acoustics, and ancient curses to orchestrate his elaborate revenge, aided by his silent and mysterious assistant, Vulnavia.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Anton Phibes (Vincent Price): A disfigured and vengeful doctor seeks to avenge his wife’s death by murdering the surgical team he blames, using methods inspired by the ten plagues of Egypt.
• Dr. Vesalius (Joseph Cotten): The lead surgeon who operated on Dr. Phibes’ wife and becomes the target of Phibes’ elaborate revenge plot.
• Vulnavia (Virginia North): Dr. Phibes’s beautiful and silent assistant who aids him in carrying out his gruesome revenge.
• Detective Inspector Trout (Peter Jeffrey): The bumbling detective inspector who is tasked with solving the bizarre murders committed by Dr. Phibes.
• Sgt. Tom Schenley (Norman Jones): Detective Inspector Trout’s loyal and slightly more competent sergeant, assisting in the investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Waverley: “A brass unicorn has been catapulted across a London street and impaled an eminent surgeon. Words fail me, gentlemen.” – Said by the police superintendent expressing his bewilderment at the bizarre crime scene.
• Dr. Anton Phibes: “Nine killed her, nine shall die. Nine eternities in doom.” – Phibes declares his intent to avenge his wife’s death by killing nine people connected to her surgery.
• Dr. Anton Phibes: “You’re wife, no, Phibes, but you I will kill.” – Phibes taunts Dr. Vesalius, implying Vesalius cannot kill him because he is already dead.
• Dr. Anton Phibes: “He will have a face like mine.” – Said by Dr. Phibes to Dr. Vesalius, referring to the acid that will leave Vesalius’ son with a disfigured face like his own

💰Box Office

• Budget: £300,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,900,000
• Worldwide Gross: $1,900,000

💥 The Abominable Dr. Phibes Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love this movie! Vincent Price is perfect as the macabre Dr. Phibes. The inventive ways he offs his victims are both gruesome and darkly funny. The Art Deco sets and music just add to the creepy, stylish atmosphere. It’s a classic horror film that always leaves me entertained and slightly disturbed. I have to admit, I even found myself kinda rooting for Phibes at times!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Vincent Price”
  • “Horror comedy enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in cult classics”
  • “Those who enjoy dark humor and creative murder scenarios”
  • “Art Deco aficionados”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Gore”
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Thematic elements of revenge”
  • “Occult themes”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “A darkly humorous and visually striking horror film, ‘The Abominable Dr. Phibes’ blends Art Deco aesthetics with inventive death scenes. Vincent Price delivers a memorable performance as the vengeful Dr. Phibes, creating a cult classic that stands the test of time.
• Slant Magazine: “‘The Abominable Dr. Phibes’ is a famous movie that contains unicorns. Enough said.

Audience Reactions

Vincent Price’s iconic performance and the creative, over-the-top murder methods make this movie unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise Vincent Price’s performance, the film’s unique blend of horror and dark humor, and the stylish Art Deco sets.

Overall Consensus: A cult classic celebrated for Vincent Price’s performance, its dark humor, and stylish visuals.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Joseph Cotten often complained on set about having to memorize lines while Vincent Price’s lines were mostly post-dubbed; Price retorted, ‘Yes, but I still know them, Joe.'”
• “Director Robert Fuest previously worked as a writer and art director for ‘The Avengers’ TV series, bringing a similar camp sensibility to the film.”
• “The film’s cast list is divided into five sections: ‘The Protagonists’, ‘The Girl’, ‘The Victims’, ‘The Law’ and ‘Interested Parties’.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Abominable Dr. Phibes?

The Abominable Dr. Phibes is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Abominable Dr. Phibes, you might like these similar films:

• Theater of Blood (1973): Another campy horror film starring Vincent Price as a vengeful actor killing his critics based on Shakespearean deaths, sharing a similar theme of theatrical revenge.
• Se7en (1995): Features a serial killer whose murders are inspired by a set of symbolic themes (the seven deadly sins), creating a similar sense of macabre, methodical horror.
• The Phantom of the Opera (1925): Both movies feature a disfigured musical genius who uses his cunning and lair to exact revenge
• Dracula (1931): This movie shares a similar gothic horror theme and the use of darkness.
• Saw (2004): Presents elaborate and theatrical death traps, echoing the inventive and gruesome methods employed by Dr. Phibes.

🛒 The Abominable Dr. Phibes Related Products

• The Abominable Dr. Phibes [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition of the classic horror film, featuring remastered visuals and audio, offering the best viewing experience for fans.
• Dr. Phibes T-Shirt: Officially licensed Dr. Phibes T-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the film, printed on high-quality fabric for comfort and durability.
• The Art of Dr. Phibes: A Visual Companion: A comprehensive book filled with behind-the-scenes photos, concept art, and interviews detailing the making of ‘The Abominable Dr. Phibes’.
• Dr. Phibes Vinyl Soundtrack: Limited edition vinyl release of the original ‘The Abominable Dr. Phibes’ soundtrack. Pressed on colored vinyl with unique cover art.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Abominable Dr. Phibes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “War March of the Priests” – performed by Felix Mendelssohn
• “What Can I Say Dear After I Say I’m Sorry” – performed by Walter Donaldson
• “Darktown Strutters’ Ball” – performed by Shelton Brooks

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The original “Abominable Dr Phibes” opening

Ever wondered about the eerie music in the opening of Dr. Phibes? This video explores different versions of the opening theme, and I think it’s fascinating to hear the alternate organ music that was originally intended! Check it out to see if you agree!

✨ Rate