Dr. Clitterhouse (Edward G. Robinson) is fascinated by the study of the physical and mental states of lawbreakers, so he joins a gang of jewel thieves for a closer look in this often amusing crime drama. Claire Trevor co-s... more »tars as a savvy crime queen, and Humphrey Bogart plays Rocks Valentine, whom Dr. C. calls "a magnificent specimen of pure viciousness." The movie also marks the start of one of films most noteworthy collaborations. John Huston, who was to later direct Bogart in The Maltese Falcon, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and The African Queen, co-wrote the screenplay of The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse.« less
The amazing dr. clitterhouse 2nd best forgotten Bogart movie
Tone Pecoraro | Jersey City, Nj USA | 02/02/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse is a good movie showcaseing Bogies talent even though the script and plot for the movie is not the greatest but none the less a great 87 mins of bogart and edward g. Robinson show caseing their talents Robinson plays Dr. Clitterhouse as a doctor eager to study the physical and mental states of lawbreakers(suspenseful charater)!!Bogarts plays Rocks Valentine a gang memberThis movie also stars Claire Trevor as Jo Keller as the leader of a gang of safecrakers.Now the storylineClitterhouse is a overzealous psychologist who joins a small time safecracking gang(bogart is in it!!!!) who takes the gang members and take their blood and examins it to furgure out what makes a criminal do criminal things!!!!!Overall this is a good movie because of two main elements the first which is edward g. Robinson plays the overzealous doctor who joins a gang for medical purposes!And 2nd element is bogart playing his usual pre- maltese falcon gangstergood movie to see great movie to own to complete your collection of bogart or robinson4 of 5 starsI hope you like the movie"
YES! It's out again!
Long Island, East, member | USA | 08/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw this movie on TV almost ten years ago. When I went to look for purchase, no luck. Every now and again, I would--well, here it is. Edward G. Robinson is fantastic in a milder role where he isn't as bad as BOGART, leader of a rough gangster group. In fact, Robinson plays a medical doctor taking an interest in crime's effect on the human condition. Great story, wonderful character interaction--tension. This is the type of movie that cries to be seen over and over because of its subtle messages on society, law, and the psyche. Enjoy!"
ENTERTAINING CURIOSITY
David W. Wagner | 04/07/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Broadway hit was purchased by Warners and Edward G. Robinson replaced Sir Cedric Hardwicke in the title role. All players seem to be having a good time and this is truly an out-of-the-ordinary crime drama. The scene where Detective Johnson is questioned by Dr. Clitterhouse is a gem. Supporting player Humphrey Bogart never cared for this film much, though. Perhaps that's why he always referred to it as "The Amazing Dr. Clitoris". Judge for yourself, since it's a fun way to spend 90 minutes."
Unusual and intriguing Warner's production
Douglas M | 12/11/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
""The Amazing Dr Clitterhouse", based on a London west end play, is an unusual Warner Brother's release of 1938, starring the great Edward G. Robinson as a surgeon with an intense interest in criminology. To assist his research, he infiltrates a crime ring. The film traces his switch from a pillar of society to a criminal up for conviction, but always retaining his cultured demeanour. It is full of unexpected twists capped by a terrific ending. Humphrey Bogart is on hand as a particularly dense and vicious hood and the brittle attractive Claire Trevor as his partner. The direction by Anatole Litvak is much smoother than the regular fast shooting Warner's style and Robinson, in particular, creates an ambiguous character who may in fact be insane.
The print of the film is excellent and there is the usual generous array of extras which we have come to expect from these Warner's releases. The commentary is shared between the often irritating Drew Casper and the erudite Richard Jewel of the unfortunate nasal drawl. They balance each other well and the most interesting aspect of the commentary is the information about how the film overcame the rules of the censors. The original trailer is included as well as the trailer for a lesser Warner's film "Racket Busters", a trailer which promises a much more exciting film than in fact was produced - good marketing. The news reel is about G Men and the short film is one in a series on true adventures. They are OK. A bizarre musical short parades a series of children singing and dancing in a toy nightclub. You have to like kid performers to cope with this one though some of the tappers are very good. The quality of the sound and picture is poor. There are 2 radio versions of the film but I find these tedious. The obligatory cartoon is also OK.
The DVD is best value if purchased as part of the Warner's Gangster Collection Volume 4."
Unusual plot and role for Robinson
Cory D. Slipman | Rockville Centre, N.Y. | 03/12/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
""The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse" is an offbeat drama with a very solid cast, whose main players would reunite 10 years later in the screen classic "Key Largo".
The venerable Edward G. Robinson well known for his tough mobster roles plays Dr. T.J. Clitterhouse an eminent and sophisticated physician. His upper crust clientele gains him entrance into the highest society functions. Unfortunately, Robinson has been using his celebrity to engineer several successful jewel heists in the guise of using the experience to do medical research on the workings of the criminal mind.
One of Robinson's patients, the police chief, played by Donald Crisp inadverantly reveals the identity and wherabouts of the largest fence in the area, where Robinson might sell the jewels. Robinson, takes his advice but is startled when the fence turns out to be a woman, actress Claire Trevor. Trevor is in cahoots with a criminal mob headed by a paranoid and vicious Humphrey Bogart playing "Rocks" Valentine. Robinson soon assumes control of the mob from Bogart using them to mastermind further robberies, performing medical tests on them while they're commiting the crimes to further his research. All doesn't necessarily end well in this screwball drama.
Anatole Litvak adroitly directed an outstanding cast in this far fetched drama. The terrific cast includes excellent character actors such as Ward Bond, Thurston Hall, famous as bank boss Mr. Schuyler in the TV show Topper and boxer Slapsy Maxie Rosenbloom."