PiraBit
if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.
Lollivan
It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
Sameer Callahan
It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.
dbborroughs
Beginning with a truly stunning image- what appears to be a headless corpse walking along the foggy moors, this is a neat little wartime thriller about the weird goings on in a small English village that has had the local tin mine shut down because of weird visions-headless visions- and the tragedies that strike those who go in the mine. ASolidly enjoyable hour long film this has mood to burn. As my friend Lou says about the film "it has everything you'd put on a list of things you need for a great 'old dark house film'". I agree. While the film isn't perfect, the mood has to be shifted to one side because there is, after all a plot, its still a great film to watch on a dark and stormy night or late at night curled up under the covers.
Stormy_Autumn
"The Mysterious Doctor" (1943) is a fun, fairly predictable WWII propaganda film. Lots of fog and fear in and around the English village of Morgan's Head. A stranger comes out of nowhere, steps out of the fog and flags down a horse and cart for a free ride into town. The driver is willing as long as it's a pick-up and delivery. He won't be staying.The stranger is Dr. Frederick Holmes. (Sherlock's little brother?) He arrives at the Inn and learns the story of the closed tin mine, the village of "Morgan's Head" and the headless ghost who came into being when 2 miners fight to the death. When it's finished Black Morgan loses his head. Since then several miners have died the same way. Next the village squire enters and meets their visitor. He learns that Dr. Holmes' has decided to stay longer and explore the closed mine. (On the spur of the moment? Oh sure. Uh-uh. Whatever!) The next day the good doctor heads out and disappears and a headless corpse is found in the mine. Hmmm, could it be that the story has lost one of it's heroes already? Considering it's 1943 WWII movie at least he died for his country. (Or somebody's anyway.)***The Spoiler***About the participants suspicious or otherwise: We know right away that Letty is OK. She takes care of and protects 'Slow Bart'. Kit, the loyal soldier, must be OK because he loves Letty. Is 'Slow Bart' who he seems to be? Is Dr. Holmes on the right side or just dead? How about Sir Henry where does he spend his time when away from "HIS" village? Who is left? How about the list of other usual suspects in the crowd? Could they be involved? Hmmm.Cast: John Loder as Sir Henry Leland, Eleanor Parker as Letty Carstairs (born in Cedarville, Ohio, Eleanor does a great job with the British accent), Bruce Lester as Lt. Christopher 'Kit' Hilton, Lester Matthews as Dr. Frederick Holmes, Matt Willis as Bart Redmond (the mentally challenged villager) does very well.
BaronBl00d
Dark, foggy, lantern-lit settings abound in this 1943 second run feature about a headless ghost(no horse) that terrorizes an old mine, still laden with tin needed by the British against the Germans in WWII. Heavy on atmosphere and light on originality, The Mysterious Doctor comes off rather well due to its effective and crisp cinematography, solid character acting, and competent direction. Director Benjamin Stoloff moves with such a fast pace that the film's 57 minute length seems almost too short to have covered what this film covers. Don't expect any great and clever plot twists here as the film's hero and villain should be quite obvious shortly - especially if you remember what the title of the film is. Eleanor Parker is in the film as the female lead, but her role has little depth to it. There are some nice performances by John Loder, Lester Matthews, and I particularly liked the feeling and sincerity in Matt Willis's portrayal of the village idiot. Willis gives more than just a one-dimensional performance, and this is quite evident in the scene with the children goading him. But these actors and the fine, able group of terrified, pub-drinking villagers of Cornwall are far more defined by their aiding the atmosphere of the film - the film's chief character. Though their are a few grisly murders shown off-stage, the film has a rather light touch to it despite this and the foggy mood. Films like this were very formulaic, and it is important that one of its chief goals was to serve England in its battle with the Germans. Once you understand that, everything falls into place. Nonetheless, this is an interesting film with some style.
blanche-2
"The Mysterious Doctor" is an enjoyable, atmospheric B movie about a unmine-able tin mine in Morgan's Head, England, due to the presence of a headless ghost. It's wartime and the country needs the tin, but no amount of persuading can get the workers back after so many people have been killed by the spirit, which goes back to a local legend in the town.It sure feels and looks British, and the cast includes a young, vibrant Eleanor Parker who fits right in with actors John Loder and others.This is an excellent little wartime gem. Don't miss it when it's on TCM.
