The Fabulous Fraud

I always watch these short documentaries with a great deal of interest because it typically rouses enough curiosity in me to do my own research afterwards.

Such was this case.

I also found the documentary to be non-conclusive,though one might gather, from the title, that it is in the negative.

The most glaring error, however,in material is that the narrator and documentary has a grim, misty picture of an "unmarked" gravesite or obscure one at best, while after my research, discovered,though banished to Switzerland, Mesmer had a brisk practice there until his death.

Additionally, Germany has erected a huge sculpture honoring him in Meersburg, Germany where he died.

Sensationalistic claims not based in fact are a waste of time for me,although, as I said before the initial appeal of most documentaries myself is prompting me to do my own research.

I disagree with other postings for this marvelous 'little' film. "The Fabulous Fraud" is a very well produced entry into the "Passing Parade" series. This series from the MGM shorts dept always featured good credentials. Most all consisted of talented cast members, good sets, costumes and capable Directors (many major Directors started with MGM Featuretts) These stories managed to be professionally put together on a minuscule budget. This particular title offered an early glimpse into the use of Hypnosis in treating certain medical conditions. John Nesbitt always produced a quality script and with his fine reading voice gave us fascinating insights into situations and characters from our history.

The Cinematography is by none other than Award winning Paul Vogel also known for his great work in numerous superb looking features: "Lady in the Lake" '47 - "Battleground" '49 - "Wonderful World of the Bros Grimm" '62 - "High Society" '56 - It's a Dogs Life" '55 and many other important movies. The scenes at the beginning and end of 'Fabulous Fraud', where the camera glides through a stark forest landscape at night are quite haunting. The Director, Edward L. Cahn went on to make "The Four Skulls of Johnnathan Drake" '59 and other support type features.

In a minor early role the reliable Morris Ankrum, an Atorney and Economics professor before turning to acting, manages to make a customary good impression, even with a part where he doesn't get to deliver a single line. John Baragrey from "The Lady or the Tiger" '42 and "The Loves of Carman" '48. is interesting as Dr Anton Mesmer. The Female roles are also diverting: Phyllis Morris appeared in "Three Came Home" - "Colonel Blimp" - "Goodbye Mr Chips" etc, with Marcia Mae Jones making appearances in "The Life of Emile Zola" '37 - "The Way We Were" '73 etc.

Look past the comments from those who seem to enjoy being impossible to please, without due consideration for the production restrictions imposed. This interesting story was recently screened to a film appreciation group and received a round of applause. Catch it on TCM when you can! Ken Roche.

It's MGM presents John Nesbitt's Passing Parade. It is 18th century Paris. Dr. Anton Mesmer runs his Clinic of Mesmerism. The narration suggests that he is a fraud. He treats the aristocratic class and their imagined illnesses. He does also treat the poorer classes. One such patient is a blind girl and through her, he discovers the power of hypnotism.

I don't know how much of this is true. Quite frankly, I have doubts about most of this material. So I can't claim this to be informative. As to its entertainment value, I can't find much of that here either. It is a rather flat telling of a biography.

Atmospheric entry in John Nesbitt's Passing Parade series that covers the life of 18th century German physician Franz Anton Mesmer. Yes the 'mesmerism' guy. This short tells of the techniques Mesmer used to treat the ill, including his experimentation with hypnotism. The short is dripping with cynicism from the start with narrator (and writer) John Nesbitt never missing an opportunity to mock Mesmer and those who believed in his quack medicine. Nothing wrong with pointing out the guy was a fraud but the tone is so harsh it struck me as a bit personal, like Nesbitt was ranting. It's all the more strange when you consider the short ends asking the question of whether Mesmer was a healer or a fraud, as if it had not been exclusively making the case for the latter the entire time. This was made in the 1940s and the runtime is brief, so obviously don't expect an accurate history lesson. As entertainment it's not bad for a short. It's a nice production with good atmosphere from director Edward L. Cahn and cinematographer Paul Vogel. John Baragrey, sounding somewhat like Charles Boyer, is good as Mesmer. Morris Ankrum has a bit part as the father of a blind girl. Definitely worth a look if you're into the subject matter or just enjoy the Passing Parade series.

The Fabulous Fraud (1948)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Nice entry in John Nesbitt's Passing Parade series. This episode takes a look at the life and death of Dr. Anton Mesmer, the man who helped discovery hypnotism by accident and then took it to the history books. The main focus of this short is to show that Mesmer ended up taking a lot of grief for his discovery and exactly what happened to him during his final years are somewhat of a mystery. If you're looking for a complete and up-to-date documentary on Mesmer then you're certainly not going to find it here but I think fans of the series should at least be entertained with these 9-minutes. I think the best thing going for the film is its rather dark atmosphere created by Edward L. Cahn. While watching the film you also feel as if you're watching a Universal horror film from this era due to all the thick fog, which just helps with the atmosphere. The performances are also quite good and as you'd expect the narration from Nesbitt is top-notch.