The Mad Magician (1954) + Extras
The Mad Magician (1954) + Extras
BDRip 720p | MKV | 1280 x 720 | x264 @ 2560 Kbps | 1h 12mn | 1,50 Gb + 0,99 Gb
Audio: English AC3 2.0 @ 192 Kbps | Subtitles: English (embedded)
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery | Director: John Brahm
BDRip 720p | MKV | 1280 x 720 | x264 @ 2560 Kbps | 1h 12mn | 1,50 Gb + 0,99 Gb
Audio: English AC3 2.0 @ 192 Kbps | Subtitles: English (embedded)
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery | Director: John Brahm
Don Gallico is a master at designing magical illusions which are sold by his employer, Mr. Ormond, to famous magicians such as Rinaldi. He is also a master of disguise and realistic mask design. When Don embarks upon his own career as Gallico the Great, showcasing his own masterful illusions, his dreams are shattered by Ormond and he turns to murder to vent his frustrations.
Even though it has one of the standard "Revenge Price Plots," this film is my favorite of Vincent Price's work. Gallico has that quality that is missing in so many horror film characters- likeability. When you watch it, you feel for him, you feel his frustration, the injustices against him, and you cheer him on when he goes for vengeance, even though he frightens you a little with his original fury. As the film goes on, his character becomes tragic. He's committed his murder, but now he must kill to cover that up. And again to cover that one up. And again… your stomach sinks with his soul as it goes down its spiral- like watching a beloved brother turn into a hood. Even if the revenge story is of old, the plot devices themselves are original- Gallico uses his tricks to kill in more and more inventive ways. A shame this one isn't available for home veiwing.
(Enlargeable)
The Mad Magician (1954) + Extras
Audio Commentary by Film Historians David Del Valle and Steven Peros
Extras:
- 1953 Comedy Shorts starring The Three Stooges: "Pardon My Backfire" (15:57) and "Spooks!" (15:45)
- "Master of Fright!: Conjuring The Mad Magician" featurette (19:49)