Product Description

Dr. Clitterhouse (Edward G. Robinson) is fascinated by the study of the physical and mental states of lawbreakers, so he joins a gang of jewel thieves for a closer look in this often amusing crime drama. Claire Trevor co-stars as a savvy crime queen, and Humphrey Bogart plays Rocks Valentine, whom Dr. C. calls "a magnificent specimen of pure viciousness." The movie also marks the start of one of films most noteworthy collaborations. John Huston, who was to later direct Bogart in The Maltese Falcon, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and The African Queen, co-wrote the screenplay of The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #95493 in DVD
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Formats: NTSC, Black & White
• Subtitled in: English, French
• Running time: 87 minutes

Customer Reviews

Great Movie
I ordered this for my co-worker. He is satisfied and very happy with the movie.

ENTERTAINING CURIOSITY
This Broadway hit was purchased by Warners and Edward G. Robinson replaced Sir Cedric Hardwicke in the title role. All players seem to be having a good time and this is truly an out-of-the-ordinary crime drama. The scene where Detective Johnson is questioned by Dr. Clitterhouse is a gem. Supporting player Humphrey Bogart never cared for this film much, though. Perhaps that's why he always referred to it as "The Amazing Dr. Clitoris". Judge for yourself, since it's a fun way to spend 90 minutes.

Unusual and intriguing Warner's production
"The Amazing Dr Clitterhouse", based on a London west end play, is an unusual Warner Brother's release of 1938, starring the great Edward G. Robinson as a surgeon with an intense interest in criminology. To assist his research, he infiltrates a crime ring. The film traces his switch from a pillar of society to a criminal up for conviction, but always retaining his cultured demeanour. It is full of unexpected twists capped by a terrific ending. Humphrey Bogart is on hand as a particularly dense and vicious hood and the brittle attractive Claire Trevor as his partner. The direction by Anatole Litvak is much smoother than the regular fast shooting Warner's style and Robinson, in particular, creates an ambiguous character who may in fact be insane.

The print of the film is excellent and there is the usual generous array of extras which we have come to expect from these Warner's releases. The commentary is shared between the often irritating Drew Casper and the erudite Richard Jewel of the unfortunate nasal drawl. They balance each other well and the most interesting aspect of the commentary is the information about how the film overcame the rules of the censors. The original trailer is included as well as the trailer for a lesser Warner's film "Racket Busters", a trailer which promises a much more exciting film than in fact was produced - good marketing. The news reel is about G Men and the short film is one in a series on true adventures. They are OK. A bizarre musical short parades a series of children singing and dancing in a toy nightclub. You have to like kid performers to cope with this one though some of the tappers are very good. The quality of the sound and picture is poor. There are 2 radio versions of the film but I find these tedious. The obligatory cartoon is also OK.

The DVD is best value if purchased as part of the Warner's Gangster Collection Volume 4.