"The 1000 Eyes of Dr. Mabuse," director Fritz Lang's final film, is a belated sequel to "Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler" (1922) and "The Testament of Dr. Mabuse" (1933). What a poetic way to bring a long, storied career to a full-circle close.Criminal mastermind Dr. Mabuse was believed to be long dead, but apparently has
resurfaced. His sights are on the vast fortune of young industrialist Henry Travers. A mysterious shooter, presumably one of Mabuse's goons, is killing people using not bullets but steel needles (skillfully fired into the brain). Inspector Kras (Gert Frobe, best known for playing "Goldfinger") is on the case -- suspicions center on the elegant Luxor hotel -- but Mabuse remains an elusive, wily villain. An old, blind psychic named Cornelius provides clues, but his wisdom may not be reliable. Meanwhile, a cautious love blooms between Travers and distraught Marion Menil. Too bad she already has a husband.The film's glaring problem is simply that it's so creaky and low-budget. It was released in 1960 but, at a glance, one easily might guess the film was made in the '30s or '40s.
February 12, 2010
