Humphrey Bogart’s Only Horror Movie Will Stop Streaming Soon

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As a cinephile with a deep appreciation for Hollywood history and the evolution of its most iconic stars, I must say that the career of Humphrey Bogart is nothing short of fascinating. From his humble beginnings on stage to becoming one of the greatest actors of all time, Bogart’s journey is a testament to perseverance and talent.

As a dedicated film enthusiast, I’m captivated by the enduring allure of Hollywood legends from yesteryears, and no actor embodies the quintessential classic movie star more than Humphrey Bogart. Born in 1899, Bogart didn’t quite make his mark until later in life, tirelessly climbing up the industry ranks by gracing the screen in a series of gripping gangster films, such as the iconic “Public Enemy” in 1931. It wasn’t until he turned 40 that he truly etched his name into the annals of cinema history with timeless masterpieces like “The Maltese Falcon” (1941), “Casablanca” (1943), and “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948).

Despite Humphrey Bogart’s tough persona, eloquent dialogue delivery, expressive sad eyes, and intricate character portrayals, one film that might surprise many is the 1939 sci-fi horror movie “The Return of Doctor X“, directed by Vincent Sherman. It might seem unusual to see Bogart in a B-movie like this, and it marked his only role in a horror film. Interested viewers can catch a glimpse of “The Return of Doctor X” on Max before its streaming ends on January 1.

‘The Return of Doctor X’ Is a Bloody Tale

In the realm of thrilling cinema, I find myself immersed in a chilling tale inspired by William J. Makin’s story “The Doctor’s Secret.” The narrative unfolds as two bodies, drained of an unusually rare type of blood, are unearthed, piquing my curiosity as a movie lover. As a reporter named Walter Garrett, I join forces with my confidant, Dr. Mike Rhodes, to delve into this intriguing mystery.

The pair unearths Xavier’s grave, but finds it empty, leading to a confrontation with Flegg who admits to reviving the body through scientific means. Flegg has kept Quesne (who is in fact Xavier) alive by using artificial blood, but since this blood can’t regenerate, Xavier’s survival depends on him locating people with the same rare blood type as the synthetic mix. This sets off a search for Dr. Xavier.

A Completely Different Role for Humphrey Bogart

In a unique twist among Bogart’s characters, Xavier stands out like a peculiar treasure hidden within his acting portfolio. It seems likely that if offered this role a year later, Bogart might have declined it. At that time, he was on the verge of achieving full stardom but hadn’t yet reached the point where he could reject strong roles, such as the horror genre. Despite this, appearing as a vampire-like character in “The Return of Doctor X” may still come across as surprising to fans who primarily recognize him for his rugged, streetwise persona that dominated much of his career.

Initially, his character stands out due to his distinctive look – black hair slicked straight with a prominent white streak down the middle (a result of electrocution, resembling The Bride of Frankenstein), wearing a lab coat and round glasses. This appearance is quite different from anything you’d typically associate with Bogart in other roles. Despite his reservations about taking on the role of Quesne/Xavier, Bogart delivered each scene with the same level of dedication and precision that he’s famed for. The Bogie Film Blog concurs with this assessment.

It’s clear that he’s not acting mechanically or unhappy with his role. On the contrary, “The Return of Doctor X” serves as a testament to Humphrey Bogart’s dedication as an actor.

The Control of Movie Studios in the 1930s

Back in the roaring ’20s, I was just a humble stagehand, honing my craft behind the curtains. Yet, my passion for acting led me to garner some recognition in the theater world. This newfound fame paved the way for a film contract with Fox Studios in 1929. However, as recounted in Darwin Porter’s intriguing biography Humphrey Bogart: The Making of a Legend, Bogart himself expressed his ambition, saying, “I aim to become the most illustrious movie star Hollywood has ever known.” But alas, stardom came later than expected in our grand old industry.

It appeared that the character assigned to Quesne/Xavier wasn’t fitting for an actor of Bogart’s caliber. However, it seems his role might not have been a choice he made himself. Actors often spent their entire careers under studio contracts instead of just signing on for individual films. In 1935, Bogart signed with Warner Bros. studios to break free from the gangster stereotype he had portrayed earlier. To achieve this, Jack Warner cast him in the film “The Return of Doctor X“. Yet, it’s clear that Bogart was dissatisfied and expressed his displeasure by saying:

…”The sole sustenance for this wretched man (Quesne) was blood. If it had been Jack Warner’s, Harry’s or Pop’s blood, perhaps I wouldn’t have resented it as much. However, they were consuming mine, and I was in the process of creating this abhorrent movie.

The Path from ‘The Return of Doctor X’ to ‘Casablanca’

As a devoted cinephile, I must confess that “The Return of Doctor X” might not be everyone’s cup of tea, given its status as a classic B-horror flick. However, this movie boasts an eerie and thought-provoking theme that keeps you hooked. The primary narrative revolves around the bloodthirsty Quesne, whose menacing presence is amplified by the chilling backstory of Xavier and his tragic end in the electric chair.

The comeback of “Doctor X” was a significant turning point in Bogart’s acting career. He decided never to take on such roles again after this experience. A shift occurred within him, and three years later, his iconic portrayal of Rick Baine in the classic movie “Casablanca” followed. However, it is possible that we wouldn’t have enjoyed Bogart’s captivating performance as Rick Baine if we hadn’t encountered Marshall Quesne and Dr. Maurice Xavier beforehand. Ultimately, “The Return of Doctor X,” which clocks in at more than an hour, is a peculiar curiosity that may temporarily vanish from streaming platforms. Therefore, it’s advisable to watch it on Max using the link provided below, before it disappears.

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2024-12-24 07:32