Visitors Review

Robert J. Maxwell (2012-05-26 07:16)

Hubris!

There are some things man was never meant to know. What everybody lookslike without clothing is one of them.Ray Milland is a research physician looking into experimentallyexpanding our perception of the electromagnetic spectrum, so he claimsto his friend and colleague, Harold J. Stone. Visible light ranges fromabout 4,000 to about 7,000 Angstrom units. If Milland is trying towiden that range, he winds up failing. Instead of seeing infra red orultra violet light, like DayGlo, he starts seeing THROUGH things.In this story, Milland begins by being able to diagnose hospitalpatients. When he prevents Doctor John Hoyt from performing the wrongoperation, it gets him fired. Two points are made explicit here. One isthat no good deed goes unpunished. The other is that this is one ofthose movies where everyone with a doctorate is addressed as "Doctor."It doesn't matter if they've been best friends for years. They addresseach other as "Doctor." But right off the bat we're in unrealisticterritory, and that's not even counting the mysterious eye drops thatgive Milland X ray vision. Milland takes a look at the patientscheduled for heart surgery and sees a tumor, not mitral stenosis. Thewrong operation will kill her. So how does he stop Hoyt from operating.He CUT HOYT'S HAND with a scalpel at the last minute -- and without anyexplanation! All he'd have to do is say, "Look, I've got this X rayvision and I can see internal organs directly. That means no moremistakes based on X ray photos or sonograms. No more exploratorysurgery. No more guess work. We'll save lives and dollars." Instead heallows himself to be discharged -- Hoyt doesn't even ask how Millandknew about the tumor -- and has an argument with Stone, causing Stoneto fall accidentally out of a window to his death.The blond nurse who has a crush on Milland -- it's GOOD to be thedoctor -- happens to be present and she urges Milland to run for hislife because the police will never believe it was an accident. Somefriend.Anyway, this leads to Milland's continued fall down the socioeconomicladder until he winds up in a carnival as "Mr. Mentor" or somethinglike that. He reads notes while blindfolded and performs other tricks.The estimable Dick Miller shows up to provide some not-very-funny comicrelief. Then, under the management of Don Rickles in his first film,Milland is moved into a shabby storefront where he become "The Healer"for the neighborhood poor, who REALLY need health insurance.Rickles wants to exploit him further but Milland skips town with thenurse and lands in Las Vegas. Of course, being able to see through theface-down cards, he beats hell out of the house at the blackjack table.A fracas ensues and Milland escapes alone in a stolen car. The policefollow him in a helicopter, as they should, because Milland, able tosee through practically everything by now, is driving at high speedwhile functionally blind.There is an accident. Milland stumbles into a revival meeting andwhines to the preacher, John Dierkes, whose face you'll recognize, thathe's locked into a position in which he can see everything while alsoseeing through it. He can't sleep because he sees through his eyelidsand the roof and the light keeps him awake. He now sees the limits ofthe universe. The preacher -- another comforter out of The Book of Job-- advises him that if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out.Milland's progressively eerie contact lenses are great. They go from aweird veined yellow to steel plates that cover all of his exposedeyeballs. Milland himself was evidently a nice guy, a professional, andeasy to work with. But the narrative has dozens of speed bumps. Why,for instance, does Milland at the blackjack table not only reveal thathe knows what the cards are but then arrogantly advise the otherbettors on their moves? The eye drops have given him the visual powersof Superman but there's been no indication that they're driving him ascrazy as the Invisible Man.The humor, what there is of it, seems superimposed on a somber andultimately tragic story. The only time we see Milland smile is whenhe's at a party and notices that the others are unclothed. RogerCorman, the director, treats this as laugh worthy, which it is in asmall way, but not amusing enough to justify the time spent on it. Themovie could certainly have profited from a lighter treatment,especially during the first half.Well, it's not THAT bad, considering a shooting schedule of less thantwo weeks and a minimal budget. Milland seems sluggish and tired. Maybea more demonstrative actor would have pepped things up a bit.

(2012-05-25 23:50)

The most atypical and probably the best Roger Corman film

One of the reasons that "X - The Man With the X-Ray Eyes" looks half-way decent in Ray Milland's film career is that when he started his spectacular drop from winning the Oscar for his performance in 1945's "The Lost Weekend" he was still almost a decade away from making "The Thing With Two Heads." I always figured this 1963 film from director Roger Corman was inspired by the infamous add for X-Ray specs that appeared inside the front cover of virtually every comic book produced when I was a kid. However, the screen play is credited to Robert Dillon ("Muscle Beach Party," "French Connection II") and Ray Russell ("Mr. Sardonicus"), based on a story by Russell. The plot is as simple as the ad: Dr. James Xavier (Milland), is a world famous scientist who is experimenting with human eyesight and develops a serum that will allow him to see fun things like ultraviolent rays and (gasp!) through objects. Of course, this is one of those things that seems like a good idea at the time...The film is really much more of a science fiction film than it is the traditional sort of horror film you expect from Corman, who has a script that suits his ability to bring out the weirdness in situations. The film has remarkably little to do with voyeurism and actually more to do with the nature of reality. It is ultimately a psychological drama, because as Xavier sees human beings reduced to their skeletons, he becomes incapable of dealing with them on a personal level. In terms of movies where the mad scientist goes off the deep end with a god complex, this one makes the main character the victim of his own experiments (contrast this with Claude Reins in "The Invisible Man"). After accidentally killing a colleague, Xavier hides out in a carnival sideshow where he works as a faith healer. Clearly his x-ray vision functions as a metaphor for the ability to have insight into the sad side of life, but, ironically, Xavier cannot see where his own life is heading. His "visions" become increasingly worse until a fateful meeting with an evangelist at a revival meeting in the desert.Although not a traditional horror or monster movie, "X - The Man With the X-Ray Eyes" has a sense of bleakness that becomes rather overwhelming by the end. As always, Corman is working with a limited budget, and while this does not affect his direction, it does limit the film's effectiveness because the special effects (i.e., optical tricks) can barefly suggest the depths of Xavier's "visions." However, if you get into the spirit of things you can let your imagination carry the load. Considered by many to be Corman's masterpiece, it remains a most atypical Corman film, which makes a kind of sense. Certainly, this has the most unforgettable ending of a Corman film.

(2012-05-24 23:15)

"My dear friend, only the gods see everything."

In X - The Man with the X-Ray Eyes (1963) Dr. James Xavier, played by Ray Milland, desires the ability to `access the entire wavelength spectrum' so that he may see what no one else can...what male hasn't had that dream? Seriously, if you ever read a comic book, there was always an advertisement, usually between ads for Wildroot hair tonic, how to become a muscle man, or an offer for real Texas rattlesnake eggs, that touted `X-Ray Glasses' featuring a crudely drawn illustration of a guy wearing said glasses and not only having the ability to see the bones in his hand, but also being able to see through a woman's clothes...and I bet a great deal of them were sold, not because they actually worked (most of us, on some level, knew they wouldn't), but on the very slight possibility that they might. Produced and directed by Roger Corman (Pit and the Pendulum, The Masque of the Red Death), the film stars Oscar winner Ray Milland (The Lost Weekend, The Big Clock). Also appearing is Diana Van der Vlis (The Girl in Black Stockings), Harold Stone (Spartacus), John Hoyt (Attack of the Puppet People), and Don `Mr. Warmth' Rickles (Beach Blanket Bingo, Kelly's Heroes).As I already mentioned, Milland plays Dr. James Xavier, a man with an obsession. You see, as humans, we only see about ten percent of what's actually out there, and he wants more (greedy bastich). During his research he develops the X formula, which in experiments allows a monkey to see through cardboard, but has a curious side effect of death...Xavier chalks this up to the monkeys minuscule brain not being able to comprehend what it sees, thus shutting down and causing the demise, but humans are smarter than monkeys, so shouldn't have the same problem, right? Right...so Xavier begins experiments on himself, and finds success, but not without a price. After the accidental death of a colleague (or murder, however you want to look at it), Xavier is forced to take a hasty leave, joining a carnival, calling himself Mentallo, using his newfound ability to scrounge a few bucks by impressing the rubes, and donning sunglasses much like those Terminator glasses your grandmother wears. This leads to his involvement with a rather odious carnie and small time hustler named Crane (Rickles), who convinces Xavier to open an inner city clinic and earn even bigger bucks by `healing' the poor. Things start out relatively well, but that changes as this new venture eventually falls apart, so what's next? Well, if you have X-ray vision and need a lot of dough, where would you go? Las Vegas? Sounds like a plan, but initial success is yet again tainted by dismal failure, and soon Xavier is on the run again...oh yeah, did I mention the effects of his continual use of the X formula results in cumulative effects? In case you're wondering if there are any scenes where Xavier sees through women's clothes, yes there is, as at one point he is talked into going to a swinging party, featuring all kinds of comely, young females. Do we get to see what he sees? Kind of, as we see a bunch of naked backs and legs, but that's about it...it was oddly creepy as Milland presents such a intense and focused character throughout the story, but for a few moments we see a lascivious side that's counteracts the serious nature of the film and his character...speaking of oddly creepy, check out a mature Milland (he was in his mid 50's at the time) frugging it up at the party...it's a brief scene, but one that will be stuck in my minds eye for quite some time. Milland does quite a good job here (acting, not dancing), the scientist ultimately punished by his own arrogance, but one can't help feel an overall sense of sadness in that such an accomplished actor was now resigned to appearing in somewhat schlocky material as this...and it got progressively worse, with such features as Frogs (1972), The Thing with Two Heads (1972), and The Attic (1979) looming in his future. Oh well, work is work, I suppose...the rest of the cast is rather bland, except for Rickles, who gets in a few good zingers at some carnival patrons expense. While this is certainly an inexpensive feature, Corman generally always, in my opinion, seemed to be able to get the most for his money in terms of his films having better production values than expected. The direction is very good, as the pacing is quick (the running time is a minimal 79 minutes). Probably the most interesting aspect of the story is the notion that the main characters power of sight keeps developing (that whole cumulative effect I spoke of earlier). This presents the idea that eventually the characters ability will extend ad infinitum, allowing one to speculate that eventually he'll be able to see into the very core of the universe, and depending on your beliefs, possibly even the Creator himself. The special effects are not particularly spectacular, but they worked for me, and I'm sure at the time they probably appeared quite trippy and psychotropic (check out the opening scenes featuring bloody eyeballs). There are rumors that the ending provided here was actually shortened, that Milland's character had one more line, and the abrupt ending of the film seems to support this, but Corman has maintained this wasn't true. Regardless if this is true or not, it's still a memorable ending.The wide screen anamorphic (1.85:1) presentation on this DVD from MGM looks very clean and sharp, and the Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono audio comes through clearly. There are a couple of special features including the original 5-minute theatrical prologue that provides the audience an introduction to the five senses (when they started talking about the sense of taste, watch for some kid massacring an ice cream cone), a running audio commentary track with Roger Corman, and an original theatrical trailer.Cookieman108

(2012-05-24 13:34)

Entertaining 1960s-era Allegory a la Roger Corman

If you take X: THE MAN WITH X-RAY EYES literally, you probably won't like it. Scientific implausibility, a melodramatic plot, and histrionics from some minor players will turn off viewers who don't have the ability to see beyond the reflective surface of a movie script. However, if you're the kind of viewer who loves to ride through a film looking for hidden messages, director Roger Corman takes you on one hell of a trip.Disguised as a low-budget sci-fi thriller about a medical doctor who discovers the secret to x-ray vision and consequently spirals into madness, X: THE MAN WITH X-RAY EYES is really a social allegory with two possible interpretations. First, it is a comment on how an ethically and morally unfettered quest for knowledge can lead to personal and professional damnation. And secondly, it is a warning about how irresponsible drug use--even in the quest for knowledge or self-enlightenment--is ultimately self-destructive. (In the commentary that is provided as one of the bonus features on the DVD version, Corman reveals that his original concept for this film did not revolve around a medical doctor involved in risky research, but instead centered on a jazz musician who develops x-ray vision via the use of illicit drugs.)The acting in this film is quite adequate. Ray Milland turns in a very affecting performance as Dr. James Xavier, a medical researcher obsessed with learning how to chemically enhance the range of human vision (both optical vision and intellectual vision). At times his acting is reminiscent of Colin Clive's in 1931's FRANKENSTEIN--which is interesting since the main plot device in both movies is a medically and scientifically improbable procedure that ultimately becomes the springboard for social allegory--and he is able to evoke that same sort of pathos that makes the audience care about a character in spite of the character's culpability for his own fate. Diana Van der Vlis also does a nice job portraying Dr. Diane Fairfax, Xavier's associate and implied love interest, and caustic comedian Don Rickles gives an interesting, though at times histrionic, performance as a carnie. Some of the minor players aren't as strong, but in some ways this only adds to the sublime surrealism of the film.The special effects are, as in many Corman productions from the 1960s, obviously low-budget, but they serve their purpose adequately enough. Besides, flashy FX would only be an upstaging nuisance anyway, as the real star of this show is the allegorical subtext. Roger Corman is a legendary director because he knows how to overcome obstacles such as a lack of funds and still shoot an engaging picture. And the master doesn't let down his league of horror fans, either, delivering an ending that is both gruesomely shocking and a bit gory. (In the DVD's bonus commentary, Corman calls the ending "low-budget Greek tragedy").Admittedly, parts of X: THE MAN WITH X-RAY EYES are dated. But these are limited mainly to incidental details such as clothing and hairstyles. If you want to watch a riveting horror movie that has been artfully and lovingly crafted, you usually can't go wrong with one of the classic Roger Corman flicks. And this film is a case in point.

Diabolik7691 (2012-05-23 01:39)

Good little film

I first saw this film late one night on AMC and I got to tell you, it wascool! The beginning was a little slow, but once Milland was on the run,itgot cool. The coolest scene is the helicopter/car chase. And the endinginthe church was so weird!Sure the acting isn't great, and the budget might of been low, but Istilllike it. I can't understand why Milland did this movie. It's not his typeoffilm. Anyway, I highly recommend it sci-fic fans and anybody that wantstosee a movie that makes you think. 7/10. Check it out!

thinker1691 (2012-05-22 09:46)

" With these eyes, I can see to the edge of the Universe "

Over the years, Roger Corman has amassed a significant following andsolid reputation for his fantastic movies. Each is well received andaudiences enthusiastically clamor for more. This particular offering iscalled " X: The Man with The X-Ray Eyes. " The selection of Hollywoodlegend Ray Milland as the star is also an added bonus. Milland plays anexceptional and gifted pioneer named Dr. James Xavier. His work inoptics leads to an astonishing breakthrough in visionary ability. Hediscovers a serum which allows him to see through objects, material andeventually through the fabric of space. Unfortunately, a tragicaccident at a hospital forces Xavier to become a fugitive. Running fromthe law he joins up with Crane, a shady, greedy huckster, while DianeFairfax (Diana Van Der Vlis) tries to find and help him. The movieitself is solid in storyline and filled with enticing scenes all ofwhich have allowed this film the status of Sci-Fi Classic and one ofMilland's finest offerings. Harold J. Stone, John Hoyt and Don Ricklesare all at their very best. ****

rgshanks (2012-05-22 07:44)

Uncompromising study of the dangers of scientific research.

We live in a time when, regretfully, pieces of cinematic art are too oftenjudged by the quality, innovation, spectacle and quantity of the specialeffects and action sequences, rather than by reference to their overallcontent. Unfortunately, these current criteria are also often used,subconsciously or otherwise, in reviewing the films of a very differenttimepast - a time when technical advances were in their relative infancy andwhen the production budgets of most movies were meagre atbest.The horror and science fiction films of Roger Corman in the latter half ofthe fifties and the first half of the sixties were low budget cinema inthiscategory. During that period, he produced and directed many trashy pulpmovies which gave rise to the term `exploitation cinema'. But, in the earlysixties, his output included many of his most acclaimed films, including "X: The Man With X-Ray Eyes" and his several Edgar Allan Poe adaptations.These particular pictures transcend the paucity of the budget by headliningwith a proven performer - here and in "The Premature Burial" employing RayMilland, in the other versions of Poe with Vincent Price (in some of thebest work the latter ever did). Their contributions replace the need forspectacular (and expensive) special effects with performances whicheffectively evince the suggestion of fright, revulsion andhorror.In "X : The Man With X-Ray Eyes", Milland plays the part of a devotedresearch medical scientist who develops a serum (in the form of eye-drops)which has the effect of enhancing the vision. When the research institutepulls the plug on the funding of his experimentation, he continues it byusing the serum on himself, with ultimately disastrous consequences.Millandis convincing because he uses his undoubted acting skills to make theviewerfeel that his devotion to his work is based on a real desire to do good andthat the actions he takes to continue the scientific experimentation onhimself are totally in tune with the nature of his character, despite thefact that the shortness of the film gives little time for the developmentofcharacter, even that of its main protagonist. Whilst the visual effects areprimitive by today's standards, their lack of realism is tempered by thefact that Milland more than adequately depicts the range of emotions whichhis increasing capacity for physical perception forces upon him - theinitial realisation of the powers of his discovery, the schoolboyishreaction to his ability to see beyond the clothes of the guests at a party,the anguish and anger when he acknowledges that he is no longer able tocontrol what he does and doesn't see.The film itself is certainly a lot more thoughtful than any other sciencefiction subject that Corman attempted. He steers clearly away from thesensationalism of his exploitation projects to deliver a uncompromisingstudy of the dangers of the application of scientific research, but from adifferent perspective to most others. Unlike other formulaic productions ofthe genre, Milland does not subject his experimentation upon unfortunatehuman guinea-pigs (as with Dr. Frankenstein, for instance) - instead, hisinnate decency and honour leads him to carry on the research by subjectinghimself to the treatment. He is not the mad scientist who ultimately findsamodicum of sanity from the tragic results of his experiments on others - heis, rather, an erudite and intelligent man who is himself pitched intotormented madness through daring to experiment on himself. The moral of thestory would appear to be that it doesn't matter whether a scientist is madand power-crazed or well-intentioned and humanitarian, the experimentationinto grey and uncharted areas of science will almost inevitably result intragic consequences.

WalletGuy (2012-05-21 16:49)

"If thine eye offends thee... pluck it out!"

A friend of mine who is a big Roger Corman fan recommended to me that Iwatch X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes (1963). Starring Ray Milland as adoctor who gave himself x-ray vision, this was actually only the secondCorman movie I had ever seen. While I obviously still need to see a lotmore Corman movies, this is so far the one I consider to be his best.The acting is perfect for the tone and there is some nice directing. Myfavorite scene had to be the dance party in which Dr. Xavier seeseveryone naked thanks to his x-ray vision! It was fun to see somefamiliar faces (Harold J. Stone, John Hoyt, and Don Rickles) whoappeared on my all-time favorite TV show, The Twilight Zone. "If thineeye offends thee... pluck it out!"

(2012-05-19 09:55)

X - The funniest movie ever?

What can I say about X - The Man With The X-Ray Eyes? It's the most hilarious movie I've ever seen. I mean, it's not supposed to be, but it's so corny, so low-budget, and so fake, it just makes me bust a gut wondering how it ever even made it on the silver screen. Of course, it was 1963, but this seems more like a movie from the early 40's. I had to give it a four just in good humor. You'll probably never see it unless you're watching American Movie Classics at 1 in the morning...But if you find it, believe me, it's worth owning for your collection. It's a good 'n.

(2012-05-18 23:12)

One of the Great "B" Movies

Corman hits the nail on the head with this classic Sci-Fantasy tale. Milland fills his role - as the doctor/scientist madly in search of the "truth" - perfectly. The visual effects are quite unique as well. Each addictive eye drop forces Milland's character to see deeper and farther - first underneath clothes, then through tissue into the recesses of the human body, then through slot machines and black-jack hands (permitting him to win big at the casino), THEN through buildings and skyscrapers - which become ghostly objects with underlying steel girders being the only discernible objects. Finally, circumstances force the out-of-control Milland to confront the endgame of his experiment and his unintended goal: to see the ultimate truth - the overwhelming, blazing face of God himself. His method of escaping the piercing light is obvious yet still provides a jarringly satisfying ending to this wonderfully direct and ironic film.

Coventry (2012-05-17 23:07)

Where would YOU be looking at? Honestly?

The slightly obsessive Dr. James Xavier – shamefully underratedhorror/cult actor Ray Milland – is convinced that we're only usingabout 10% of our eyes' capacities and develops a serum to make oureyesight more optimal. He tries the eye drops on himself as a guineapig, even though a lab monkey spontaneously dropped dead after beingthe first subject of experiment. The invention really works, though,and Dr. Xavier develops the talent to see through any type ofsubstance, whether it's textile, paper, aluminum or even human flesh!Instead of abusing this fantastic power to go and stand outside offemale gathering places, like every normal man would if they suddenlyobtained this power (admit it, people!), Dr. Xavier actually has nobleintentions with his scientific breakthrough, like human X-ray scans tomake more accurate medical diagnoses. He does discover the moreperverted advantage of his invention later, though, but he decentlyonly stares at people's legs and backs. As to be expected with madobsessive scientists, the good doctor slightly exaggerates with theeye-drops and bonkers. He involuntarily kills a fellow doctor, joins atraveling circus, gradually becomes oversensitive to natural light andslowly runs out of sunglasses that are strong enough to safeguard himfrom pain. "X" is a modest but highly compelling little early 60's chiller with avery original plot outline, a fair amount of suspense, unsettlingatmosphere and enough ingenious plot twists to maintain your interestthroughout. This is another one of Roger Corman's great movies in whichhe proves that large budgets and advanced sophisticated special effectswill always remain secondary to good plotting and a few simple buthighly efficient little gimmicks here and there. I'll never understandthat his one and the same man is responsible for such great andimaginative films like "X" and "The Pit and the Pendulum" as well asfor stupid inept twaddle like "Gas-s-s-s" and "The Trip". Ray Millandalso contributes a great deal to this film's massive impact with hisstellar performance. Roger Corman's interaction and understanding withMilland must be similar to that of Vincent Price, as they previouslymade the equally terrific "Premature Burial" together. "X" is highlyrecommended thriller, with a handful of sequences that actually qualifyas spooky (the sight of Milland with black eyes and golden pupils) anda very exciting climax sequence.

KFL (2012-05-17 11:25)

Surprisingly intelligent

The basic premise of this sci-fi flick is not so very outlandish.Unfortunately in execution there are some inconsistencies...sensitivity toan enlarged wavelength range would not have enabled him to see one pieceofpaper beneath another, for example.Still, except for taking these kinds of liberties, this is a much moreintelligent movie than one might expect. The dialog is sharp enough too.Thespecial effects are...ummm...interesting , but Corman did agoodjob given his miniscule budget.7/10

moonspinner55 (2012-05-17 04:42)

Opens with a shot of a bloody eyeball!

Doctor Ray Milland creates a serum that gives him X-ray vision.Low-rent thriller from producer-director Roger Corman features shiverymusic (courtesy Les Baxter), hysteria, and young party-goers dancingnaked (as seen through Milland's eyes...you mean he can see throughclothes but not through skin?). Film's biggest problem is that onceMilland has X-ray vision, nothing fascinating is done with hischaracter or with his discovery. As for the star-lead, he's sour andsurly throughout. Cinematographer Floyd Crosby is allowed to open thepicture with an outrageous shot, but visual interest wanes from there.*1/2 from ****

(2012-05-16 20:02)

wanted a dvd!!

This review is from: Man With the X-Ray Eyes [VHS] (VHS Tape) I ordered this campy, cool retro movie, expecting a dvd. Well, I received a vhs, big old bulky tape!!! But, it was my bad. I didn't read description thoroughly. Re ordered the dvd!! Will give vhs to salvation army.

(2012-05-16 09:07)

An interesting Concept on Medical REsearch Hubris

Roger Corman struck gold with this film. Ray Milland plays a dr. who develops special drops which allow him to see the ultra-long spectrum, i.e. x-rays. Using this power, he is able to save a little girl's life, only to be condemned for bucking established procedure. Needing more money to continue his experiments, he runs the table at Vegas, only to run afoul of the mob. Fleeing from them, he runs afoul of the law. It's a commentary on how research, for whatever supposed good, must be guided by ethics and morality. Since machines were capable of providing the same info, Milland's desire is pure egotistical, to do something no one else can. He gives a stellar performance, with good supporting roles. Corman once again demonstrates his social satire skills on a low budget.

ishiidobie-1 (2012-05-15 14:23)

on the debated 'alternate' ending

Quite a well done film and a good running time. More would have beenless. My only gripe about the existing prints/DVD/What have you is thatthe ending is typically truncated. Perhaps the entire "is there a lineof dialog cut or isn't there" debate can be settled once and forall...there is an extra line of dialog. Why Roger Corman can't rememberis beyond me, but we ARE talking about a film he shot decades ago. Ihad this on VHS back in the 80's and yes, just before the abrupt cut tothe closing credits the scene starts to fade out and we see RayMilland's eye sockets glowing on the screen amidst the darkness and wehear him say (i'm paraphrasing as I'm not 100% good on decades oldmemories either) 'but I can still see!'. I can only guess someone,somewhere, some when decided it would negate the entire 'religious'closure to the film and it would play better with him fulfilling theBiblical verse...it doesn't (IMO) and should have been left in. Whyit's not included on the DVD is also beyond me, it would make for abetter ending what with the whole 'it's fruitless to meddle in thingswhich you shouldn't' theme of the story. Oh well. Perhaps for the 50thanniversary edition someone will suddenly 'discover' the extra 10seconds of footage and splice them back on. Until then, this gets 7 outof 10 instead of the 8 out of 10 it deserves.

(2012-05-12 11:29)

Classic Corman holds up well.

Long unavailable, X. . . is Corman at his non- Edgar Allan Poe best. Ray Milland is fascinating to watch as the obsessed (but not quite mad) scientist who is using himself as a guinea pig to test his new eyedrops which will allow him to see things no one else has ever been able to see before! Corman regulars, Johnathan Haze, and Dick Miller are here, along with veteran character actor John Hoyt and a good thespian turn by Don Rickles. If your a fan of Corman, mad scientist, or horror relying on suspense and character first, shock effects and gore second--this X is for you. The party scene where the prim and proper Milland suddenly can see under everyone's clothes is a campy delight that must be seen to be believed. And yes the ending was quite gruesome for it's day.

Brian T. Whitlock (2012-05-11 16:12)

With this power, I rule!

What I can say about this movie. It makes those X-ray glasses obsolete!Corny it may see... Did I just say, SEE? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Thisdoctor can easily make a fortune with this power he has. Only constantmisuse can be hazardous. This would probably make Superman jealous,with such power like that, it would turn the most decent man into atotal pervert.The power he uses can easily prevent a serious malpractice suit, but itcan also cause a uproar among colleagues. Which I think is too bad forthem. At the party scene, he noticed the mole this woman she has. Ithink he would definitely had a hard time, than a good time because ofhis see-through power. I don't blame him though. I think this movie is somewhat a kind of a bad influence to young kids.I think they should stick to the x-ray glasses. If they ever try tomake that x-ray eyes formula, they will either blind themselves, orsuffer great hallucinations.

(2012-05-10 20:02)

Oedipus Milland

"X" - THE MAN WITH THE X-RAY EYES is one of the better movies produced by Roger Corman. The DVD gives the option for his commentary and I was intrigued by his remark from the late Ray Milland, that the two movies of which he was most proud, were LOST WEEKEND (for which he won an Academy Award) and this movie, "X". The other reviews give a pretty good synopsis: Milland plays a doctor who uses experimental drops on his own eyes to give him x-ray vision. Either because of obsession or addiction, he keeps taking the drug and when opposed by a colleague, he accidentally kills him. He becomes a fugitive from the law and one could also argue, from himself. He is warned early on that the drops might also affect the brain. This might explain why he goes into quick rages and makes impulsive decisions. Of course, a doctor experimenting on himself is not too swift either, as Dr. Jekyll could say about his Mr. Hyde. A warning about scientific hubris is given at the very beginning of the film. Is he challenging the gods? At the film's closure he sees through to the light beyond the vast darkness of space. He sees a cosmic eye that sees all and knows all. This element might be lost on the casual viewer. This distant eye sees Dr. Xavier (Milland) and knows he is watching back. This proves too much for Dr. Xavier. While we might know God by faith, represented by the people in the last scene's revival tent, the Old Testament tells us that no one can see the face of God and live. The temptation from the serpent in the garden is realized, "you will become as gods." It was a lie in the beginning and it is still a lie. We are convicted as weak and sinful men and women.Dr. Xavier says that he has not come to be saved, but to tell what he sees. He becomes a prophet, so to speak. His vision is condemned as from the devil. It may be the truth, but maybe there are some things we are not meant to know? Can science go too far? Or, is the problem not science, but a lack of caution and discipline? Can faith and science compliment each other? This is only a movie, but it makes us think about many questions.>No nudity although bare shoulders and legs demonstrate the ability to see through clothes.>Plot violence includes a man falling out a window and a car crash.>Little gore although at the very end he does something to his eyes reminescent of Oedipus. Enough said!

AlbertTurnerIII (2012-05-10 08:20)

Complete failure to understand the positive comment presented.

Some years back, a friend of mine and I, sitting on the floor of myapartment in Poughkeepsie, New York...which had no right-anglesanywhere, and a marble on the floor would wander about aimlessly...were watching a film, and in complete hysterics because it was so bad:"The Snake Woman"! Now, never since then have I seen anything that Iwould consider worse...until now. I was sleepless last night, and "X"was on; I had never thought that there could be a worse film than "TheSnake Woman", but Ray Milland did his best to prove me wrong! And DonRickles didn't insult anything, and wasn't even remotely funny. So... Ican't, for the life of me, understand why someone can say anythingpositive about this absolute disaster. Therefore my summary: adreadfully boring and worthless movie.