X – The Man with the X-Ray Eyes *** (1963, Ray Milland, Diana Van der Vlis, Harold J Stone, Don Rickles, John Hoyt, John Dierkes) – Classic Movie Review 3639

Director Roger Corman’s 1963 heated hybrid of horror and sci-fi stars Ray Milland as a world-renowned scientist, who tries out his all-seeing serum to improve the capacity of the human eye and uses his special eye drops to give himself X-ray vision.

In the story by Ray Russell (screenplay by Russell and Robert Dillon), the new power has disastrous consequences when the hero, Dr James Xavier, experiments on himself to such an extent that nothing is hidden from him and he is driven crazy by the things he sees.

Though the performances are ripe and gamy and the special effects are archaic, making for a strong-flavoured stew, it is a cult junk favourite, thanks to Corman’s brashness and effrontery, revelling in the cheapness of it all. It was made in just three weeks on a $250,000 budget, leading Corman to describe the film’s success as a miracle. And, though crude, the visual effects are still effective in portraying Dr Xavier’s bizarre point of view.

Also in the cast are Diana Van der Vlis as Dr. Diane Fairfax, Harold J Stone as Dr. Sam Brant, John Hoyt as Dr Willard Benson, John Dierkes, Lorie Summers, Vicki Lee, Kathryn Hart and Carol Irey. Don Rickles appears in an uncharacteristically dramatic role as Crane and veteran character actor Morris Ankrum makes his last film appearance, uncredited.

Floyd Crosby’s widescreen colour cinematography is a big asset.

American International Pictures released it as the main attraction in a double feature with Dementia 13.

RIP Don Rickles (1926 to 2017).

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© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3639
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