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- Experiment Perilous 1964 Colorized
Synopsis
Dive into the atmospheric world of Experiment Perilous, a 1944 gothic melodrama thriller now available in stunning colorized HD. Directed by Jacques Tourneur, this film blends psychological suspense with period drama, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century New York. Featuring the mesmerizing Hedy Lamarr and the steady George Brent, this restored version breathes new life into a classic tale of control, fear, and desperate escape.
Set in 1903, the story begins on a stormy train journey where psychiatrist Dr. Huntington Bailey (George Brent) encounters a nervous older woman, Clarissa “Cissie” Bederaux (Olive Blakeney). She is traveling to visit her brother Nick Bederaux (Paul Lukas) and his young wife Allida (Hedy Lamarr), whom she helped raise.
Soon after, Bailey learns that Cissie has died suddenly while visiting Nick’s home. Intrigued and concerned, Bailey meets the Bederaux couple and quickly grows suspicious of Nick’s increasingly controlling and cruel behavior toward Allida. Nick insists Allida is mentally unstable and isolates her from the outside world, keeping her prisoner in their imposing New York brownstone.
Bailey takes it upon himself to investigate and protect Allida, whose fragile demeanor masks a desperate struggle for freedom. The film builds to a gripping climax featuring a violent confrontation in their home, complete with shattered aquariums and a fiery finale that destroys the house and ends Nick’s reign of terror. Ultimately, Allida, her son, and Bailey find hope and peace away from the darkness.
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Hedy Lamarr as Allida Bederaux
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George Brent as Dr. Huntington Bailey
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Paul Lukas as Nick Bederaux
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Albert Dekker as Clag, the sculptor
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Carl Esmond as John Maitland, painter
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Olive Blakeney as Clarissa “Cissie” Bederaux
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George N. Neise as Alec Gregory, writer
Experiment Perilous is a gothic melodrama thriller infused with psychological suspense and period drama elements. Its moody atmosphere, complex characters, and intense emotional undercurrents place it among classic American thrillers of the 1940s. The film’s exploration of control, madness, and liberation aligns it with other noir-tinged psychological dramas of its era.
Released in 1944, Experiment Perilous adapts Margaret Carpenter’s 1943 novel and captures the tension and social constraints of the early 1900s. The film’s production during World War II reflects Hollywood’s interest in darker, more psychologically complex stories. Director Jacques Tourneur, known for his mastery of atmosphere, crafts a chilling portrait of domestic terror and emotional imprisonment.
The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Art Direction, recognizing its evocative and detailed recreation of the Bederaux family’s eerie brownstone. The snowstorm sequence, created with 100 tons of ice and powerful wind machines, adds to the film’s immersive period authenticity.
This colorized edition of Experiment Perilous has been carefully restored using advanced digital techniques to enhance the original black and white footage. The colorization highlights the film’s gothic sets, period costumes, and dramatic lighting, enriching the viewing experience while preserving the suspenseful mood.
The vivid colors bring new dimension to the claustrophobic interiors and stormy exteriors, making the psychological tension even more palpable for contemporary audiences. This restoration invites a fresh appreciation of the film’s artistry and performances.
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: Jacques Tourneur
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: Warren Duff
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: Experiment Perilous (1943 novel) by Margaret Carpenter
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: Tony Gaudio
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: Ralph Dawson
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: Roy Webb
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: RKO Pictures
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: 91 minutes
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: MP4
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: HD (1080p)
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: Compatible with smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs
Experiment Perilous received praise for its suspenseful storytelling and atmospheric direction. Hedy Lamarr’s performance as the vulnerable yet resilient Allida stands out, showcasing a nuanced portrayal of fear and quiet strength. Though sometimes overshadowed by similar psychological thrillers like Gaslight, this film remains a compelling study of manipulation and escape.
The film’s art direction and mood-setting cinematography have earned it lasting respect among classic film enthusiasts. Its blend of gothic horror and psychological drama continues to influence suspense films today.
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: What is Experiment Perilous about?
A: It’s a psychological thriller about a psychiatrist who suspects a man is imprisoning and harming his wife in their home. -
: Is this version colorized?
A: Yes, this is a professionally colorized restoration of the original 1944 black and white film. -
: Who stars in Experiment Perilous?
A: The film stars Hedy Lamarr, George Brent, and Paul Lukas in leading roles. -
: What genre does Experiment Perilous belong to?
A: It is a gothic melodrama thriller with elements of psychological suspense and period drama. -
: How long is the film?
A: The runtime is 91 minutes.
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