| X - The Man With The X-Ray Eyes | ||
| Release Date: Sept. 18, 1963 | ||
 X - the Man with The X-Ray Eyes |
While experimenting with a new
serum to improve sight, Dr. James Xavier (Ray Milland) discovers a
concoction that allows him to see through objects. The idea of human x-ray
vision is spun expertly into a fascinating sci-fi horror thriller by
Director Roger Corman. Shot in only three weeks on a low budget of
only $300,000, X - The
Man With The X-Ray Eyes won the Best Film Award at the 1st International
Festival of Science Fiction Films in 1963. Initially, Dr Xavier is amused and delighted by his
newfound ability to see through walls, unopened packages and even
women's
clothing. However, when he accidentally causes a
colleague to plunge to his death from an open window, Dr. Xavier
must flee. He takes on a new identity as a miracle worker who can heal the
sick, but soon finds his vision sees too deeply and his psyche is scarred
by visions of death. Through intriguing , and now somewhat dated special
effects, Corman conveys the bizarre and ethereal visions of the increasing
frantic doctor. He ends up in Las Vegas where his ability to see
cards before they are played allows him to win a fortune. But when Xavier
loses the special sunglasses that cover his horrible looking eyes,
he panics, steals a car and speeds
away into the Nevada desert. Corman captures this frenzied flight with an
exciting helicopter-car chase. When the car crashes over an embankment, Xavier staggers
away from the wreck and into a lively revival meeting in a large tent. In a demented revelation,
Xavier enacts the preacher admonishment to his congregation:
"If thy eye offends then pluck it out".
The film became a cult classic and a drive-in favorite. Ray Milland plays the Dr. Xavier to perfection. Corman introduces Don Rickles in one of his first film roles as Crane, Xavier's helpful con man. Turn out the lights, turn up the volume and settle back for a truly weird and wonderful story. |