Even though Erich von Stroheim privately referred to this film as "The Crime of Republic," he delivers one of his most gracefully modulated early sound performances in this beguiling low-budget shocker. One of the better examples of the mad-doctor-gets-revenge-against-normal-man-who-stole-his-girl genre of the mid-thirties ("The Raven," "Murders in the Zoo," "Mad Love"),"Crespi" is made especially memorable by its low-key, dapper star, who wears designer lab coats, keeps a baby skeleton in his office as a sort of mascot/alter ego, and shows a refreshing lack of patience with the earnest, romantic idiots he's surrounded with.

Although certainly not up to the standards of the competition over at Universal, this little horror film provides enough good moments to warrant at least a look. Stroheim is wonderful, and it's always a treat to see Dwight Frye in anything.

There are some great moments, all involving Stroheim, but some of the best scenes are ruined by sloppiness either in direction or editing. Stroheim's best scene is where he gloats above his paralyzed victim, but the scene is choppy and the edits are so jarring that it's simply a tribute to the actor that the scene works at all.

The funeral scene, however, is very well done. The intercutting between the funeral and the restrained Frye attempting to kick his way to freedom is very good, and continually reminds the viewer of the fate of the poor man in the coffin. The subjective camera angle as the dirt hits it was probably pretty strong stuff in 1935.

If your a fan of horror movies, especially 1930's films, this one should be on your list to view.

It seems rather ironic that Erich von Stroheim stars in this film considering it was shot in only 8 days. Why is this so ironic? Well, when von Stroheim was a director, he made "Greed"...a film that originally clocked in at 10.5 hours!!! The studio was irate to say the least and pared the film down to 2 hours....and Von Stroheim received very few assignments to direct after this and his next debacle, "Queen Kelly"...which he never actually finished!

Doctor Crespi (von Stroheim) is a well respected doctor. However, he's hiding his rage...rage at the man who he credits with stealing Crespi's girlfriend. So, when this same man needs an operation, Crespi agrees to do it...and now he finally can get his revenge. Using a formula he's created himself, he injects the patient...who appears to die and remains in a dead-like state for 24 hours. But Crespi knows that the man IS still alive...and he taunts the man and describes the agony he'll go through when he's buried alive! Is there any hope for the victim? Well, Crespi's assistant (Dwight Frye) doesn't trust him...and he begins to suspect that perhaps Crespi poisoned the man. What's next?

This is a well made and very effective B-horror film. Nothing to dislike about this one....very enjoyable and worth your time...particularly if you like the genre.