
Don Gallico is a master at devising magicians' illusions and tries to establish his own stage show as Gallico the Great. His performance is interrupted mid-show by his employer Ross Ormond who has obtained a court injunction to stop him. Gallico had long ago signed an exclusive contract with Ormond to provide him with any illusions he might create. Gallico sets out to get his revenge against those who have wronged him, including Ormond, his ex-wife Claire, who happens to be O... (Full plot summary below)
Enjoy FREE movies and series with your Prime (USA) subscription or when you start a 30-day free trial!
Links compiled using automated software. Availability of offers subject to change / might be region specific / out of date.
Don Gallico is a master at devising magicians' illusions and tries to establish his own stage show as Gallico the Great. His performance is interrupted mid-show by his employer Ross Ormond who has obtained a court injunction to stop him. Gallico had long ago signed an exclusive contract with Ormond to provide him with any illusions he might create. Gallico sets out to get his revenge against those who have wronged him, including Ormond, his ex-wife Claire, who happens to be Ormnond's wife and magician The Great Rinaldi who is Ormond's business partner and the main beneficiary or Gallico's new magic tricks. A clever young detective, Lt. Alan Bruce, uses a new identification technique, fingerprints, to identify the killer.
Leave your thoughts about The Mad Magician.
| Parallax ViewSean AxmakerOverly complicated and under-developed, this stock horror has its moments of invention... |
| User ReviewNate TA remake / spin-off of Mystery Of The Wax Museum (1933) and House Of Wax (1953). It is also in 3D and is on Blu-Ray. |
| User ReviewAlice PI really liked this movie it was fun and exciting. It's a lot like House of Wax, and it was even released in 3-D too. It's so cool how Price's character uses masks, it would have been funny if he had impersonated one of the policemen too. Anyway, I'm glad I got to see this on TCM today for Halloween. |
| User ReviewErin OThis movie reminded me of House of Wax a bit, but not as creepy. The story is interesting and the movie is exciting. Price gives a good performance as always. I liked it. |
| User ReviewKevin RThis buzz saw trick of ours is a real shock Don Gallico is an aspiring magician that is held back by decisions he made as a youth. He has contractual obligations to an agency that prevents him from accomplishing his goals. Don decides to use his talents to get ahead in life and perhaps bend a few rules, and laws, to accomplish his professional objectives. "You'll go to the chair for this." "I'll get the same voltage for killing four as I would for killing three." John Brahm, director of Hot Rods to Hell, Bengazi, The Diamond Queen, The Thief of Venice, Rio, Escape to Glory, and The Locket, delivers The Magician. The storyline for this picture was fairly interesting and while the plot was predictable there was value in the anticipation of waiting to see how the story unfolded. The acting was solid and the cast includes Vincent Price, Mary Murphy, and Eva Gabor. "I'll find out about that before this act is over." We continue to DVR Vincent Price movies as they air on cable and this was another interesting Price movie that was not as good as some but still entertaining. The film was fairly straightforward but the end was a bit unpredictable and unfolds nicely. Overall, this is an entertaining old school Price horror that is worth your time but not worth adding to your DVD collection. Grade: C+/B- (6.25) |
| User ReviewWes SArriving on the heels of the success of the previous year's "House of Wax" (also starring Price and in 3D), this film is certainly the lesser but a none-the-less enjoyable Price vehicle. Anytime Price gets to enact revenge (with all of his theatrical wit and showmanship) its worth a viewing in my book. PROS: Price in his prime and some interesting set pieces. CONS: by-the-book direction, story drags after a while. |