The Crime Of Dr Crespi

[Foxbat]

Starring Erich von Stroheim, Harriet Russell, Dwight Frye, Paul Guilfoyle
Directed by John H. Auer
Black & White 1935

Based on Edgar Allen Poe’s Premature Burial, The Crime Of Doctor Crespi tells the tale of a brilliant surgeon who has his amorous advances towards Harriet Russell spurned in favour of his former assistant, Doctor Ross. For five long years, his hatred for Ross festers until, one day, an automobile accident leaves Ross in a critical condition. His wife (and the object of Crespi’s affections) has to beg the brilliant surgeon to carry out the life-saving operation as only he has the skill and know-how to succeed.

Crespi seemingly reluctantly agrees but secretly, this is what he wanted all along….a chance to inflict untold horror on his rival. But there is a fly in the ointment: his assistant (played by Dwight Frye – who also played Renfield in Todd Browning’s 1931 interpretation of Dracula) suspects something is not quite right.

Brought to DVD by Retroflicks (www.retroflicks.com) this enjoyable little thriller showcases one of the silver screen’s finest bad guys - Erich von Stroheim. He holds this movie together like glue. With his sharply defined features and slight German accent, he makes the likes of Angel Eyes, Palpatine and Saruman look benevolent. He glitters malevolence from sharp staring eyes and physically resembles that great actor of more modern times -Stephen Berkoff (at least I think so).

The supporting cast is passable and I always have a soft spot for my favourite Renfield (Frye) but, without the Germanic menace of Stroheim, this movie would be far less than it is.

The overall physical quality of this film is poor with sound that regularly dips in volumes and gives the impression you have placed a wet sock over the speakers. Picture-wise, it is showing it’s age with many scratches and faded footage but it is still worth a watch.

Ironically, the poor quality of the film actually adds its own ambience to the watching experience. Watch it in the dark and for some strange reason (and no matter what time of day it is) it feels like you are watching it at 3 in the morning.

In conclusion – a good way to watch the performance of a top-notch baddie in an entertaining little movie. I can certainly think of worse ways to spend an hour or so.

And if you want to see more of von Stroheim’s bad guy persona , check out the silent movie Foolish Wives.