JasparLamarCrabb A pretty bland thriller with a plot that could have been played out and wrapped up much more quickly via a TWILIGHT ZONE episode. When a wealthy old lady is murdered by her demented gardener, one of her greedy heirs hires actor Stuart Whitman to infiltrate a mental hospital, befriend the gardener and find the whereabouts of a some buried loot. Also on the prowl for the fortune is power mad psychiatrist Lauren Bacall. Directed, poorly, by Denis Sanders and featuring a cast made up of what one would think is camp heaven...in addition to Bacall and Whitman, there's Carol Lynley, Timothy Carey and Roddy McDowell as the gardener. They barely register, though Carey's cameo gives the film a brief lift. Ultimately, it's all silly and very slow moving. Any irony introduced is diminished by multiple endings. Jerry Goldsmith's score is pretty impressive and was clearly expanded upon later on with PLANET OF THE APES.

moonspinner55 Mental shenanigans involving an actor (Stuart Whitman), apparently so desperate for money he'll accept any insane proposition lobbied his way, who masquerades as a mental patient in an asylum. He's hoping to get crucial information out of another patient (Roddy McDowall) on the whereabouts of some hidden loot--but unfortunately, he runs afoul of doctor Lauren Bacall (doing a Nurse Ratched years before her time). Delirious, over-the-top melodrama that's actually a hoot if watched in the requisite silly spirit. Whitman keeps a straight face throughout and actually wins the viewer over, but McDowall is just awful and Carol Lynley is hilariously mercurial as a patient with glossy, shampooed hair. This show rightfully belongs to Bacall, pulling off an extreme role with her usual rigid-jaw aplomb. ** from ****

David (Handlinghandel) Stuart Whitman is seen in a classical acting role and recruited to play a very rough part: He is to be paid for feigning insanity and being committed to psychiatric hospital. The goal is to learn more about a character played by Roddy McDowell, who is confined there.Whitman is excellent, as is McDowell. The latter develops a bit of an unstated crush on the former. So does Carol Lynley, who has a very small role for the major billing she gets.The plot revolves around psychiatrist and researcher Lauren Bacall. This character could give Dr. Caligari a run for his money.It's not hough art but i's exciting and suspenseful. And the acting is excellent all around.

Terence Allen This movie is one of those that's great to watch in the dark with popcorn, on a rainy night, or come to think of it, pretty much anytime. The actors are great, and the mood is very intense. Whitman was early in his career, McDowell does his usual stellar work, and Lauren Bacall gives one of her best performances as someone who belongs in the asylum, not running it. This is a great old flick that deserves a lot more recognition that it gets. If you watch it, and like it, tell others about it so the word can be spread. This deserves to be released on DVD if it hasn't already, and should be mentioned with the other great Hollywood thrillers.