The Amazing Dr Clitterhouse **** (1938, Edward G Robinson, Humphrey Bogart, Claire Trevor, Allen Jenkins, Donald Crisp) – Classic Movie Review 5069

Director Anatole Litvak’s 1938 black comedy gangster movie is based on the play by Barré Lyndon and stars Edward G Robinson, Humphrey Bogart, Claire Trevor, Allen Jenkins and Donald Crisp.

Robinson enjoys himself greatly in Sir Cedric Hardwicke’s stage role as Dr Clitterhouse, an apparently normal Park Avenue psychiatrist, who decides to become a criminal to research into the criminal mind.

While robbing a safe at a party, Dr C meets ‘Rocks’ Valentine (Humphrey Bogart) and his gang of crooks and teams up with them.  But, instead of studying criminals, Dr C thrills to his new life of crime, finally killing in cold blood. However, ‘Rocks’ Valentine would like to see Dr C out of the way.

Barré Lyndon’s ingenious play is given a relishable workover by the Warner Bros team. With a deft screenplay by John Huston and John Wexley, nimble direction and adroit playing, The Amazing Doctor Clitterhouse is a total offbeat success.

Ronald Reagan provides the voice of the announcer.

Also in the cast are Gale Page, Thurston Hall, John Litel, Henry O’Neill, Maxie Rosenbloom, Curt Bois, Bert Hanlon, Ward Bond, Vladimir Sokoloff, Billy Wayne and Robert Homans.

It is shot in black and white by Tony Gaudio, produced by Robert Lord and scored by Max Steiner.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5069

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