The Crime of Doctor Hallet

Ralph Bellamy is one of those unheralded but famous actors who managed to be a part of a large contributor to a lot of very good movies, many of them, like this one, lost over time. The plot (hence the writing) is what really made this a one of a kind and breakthrough movie. Unfortunately, not enough people know of it to let the plot break through, but few, if any, movies ever had this bizarre, yet believable plot. Without spoiling the movie, I'll just say that a young well to do doctor-researcher from high society joins a pair of less glamorous researchers in the jungle and they attempt to discover the cure for a deadly disease. Isolated from civilization, certain events take place, not because anyone is a maniac, but for other reasons, and a visit from a lady visiting one of the doctors presents a problem. Great atmosphere, acting, directing, and writing make this a film you'll be glad you saw, and wonder why isn't a mainstay in movie history.

1938's "The Crime of Doctor Hallet," like 1934's "The Crosby Case" and 1945's "The Crimson Canary," was a non horror Universal that appeared with some frequency on Creature Features across the nation, despite its absence from the studio's popular SHOCK! television package of the late 50's. Pittsburgh's CHILLER THEATER aired the film on 3 occasions, as part of a triple bill (May 10 1975, with 1931's "Dracula" and 1959's "Curse of the Undead"), double bill (June 18 1977, with 1969's "Eye of the Cat"), and solo feature (April 30 1983). Made between the Laemmle regime and the comeback of horror generated by "Son of Frankenstein," this underrated feature stars Ralph Bellamy as Dr. Paul Hallet, working in the jungles of Sumatra with associate Jack Murray (William Gargan), experimenting on monkeys in search of a cure for red fever. Enter a much younger doctor, Phillip Saunders (John "Dusty" King), whose arrival is met with disapproval by the much older Hallet, who consigns the newcomer to a life of cleaning test tubes. Accidentally stumbling on a possible cure, Saunders tries to share his discovery with the unresponsive Hallet, then decides to conduct his own private research without the others' knowledge. When Hallet arrives at his own solution, the eager Saunders inoculates himself with red fever, trusting that Hallet's cure will save him, but it fails. Learning that funds have dried up, and that the late Saunders had $4000 in travelers checks, the repentant, guilt ridden Hallet decides to carry on, forging his colleague's name after burying Saunders as Paul Hallet. Complications ensue with the arrivals of replacement doctor Mary Reynolds (Josephine Hutchinson, "Son of Frankenstein"), plus the widowed wife of the late Saunders (Barbara Read, "The Man Who Cried Wolf"), both unaware of what has transpired in the remote jungle. Unusual Universal fare, and criminally obscure, one of the studio's most unheralded efforts. Brief snatches can be heard of music from both "The Invisible Ray" and "Dracula's Daughter," with unbilled early appearances from William Lundigan, Constance Moore, and Frances Robinson.

This film concerns identity theft in the jungle of Sumatra where doctor Ralph Bellamy (Dr Hallet) is trialling a cure for 'red fever' in monkeys. He is assisted by fellow doctor William Gargan (Dr Murray) and they carry out their research, always unsuccessful but ever hopeful. A new assistant is sent to help them in the form of recently graduated John 'Dusty' King (Dr Saunders) but Bellamy doesn't take kindly to him and King is given menial tasks to perform. However, King is the key to success and cracks the formula needed by experimenting himself and on himself with tragic consequences. His research must be finished by the guilt-ridden Bellamy. Throw in some women to stir some emotion and cause drama, especially when King's wife Barbara Read (Claire) decides to pay a visit, and the film holds your attention for the full running time.

It's a different setting and the cast are all fine and it poses a moral question about identity theft for the good of the human race. Not sure whose identity I would choose to steal but I have no doubt that there are many individuals trawling through databases of dead people to do just that and perhaps claim benefits on their behalf or carry out more sinister evil-doings. The film has a good novelty value and half-way through, we have a surprise doctor turn up - Josephine Hutchinson (Dr Reynolds) - to take up a position and help with the scientific break-through. Drama in the jungle.