Is The Mad Doctor Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Mad Doctor is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Mad Doctor Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1940, The Mad Doctor enters the Crime genre with a narrative focused on A reporter sleuths the mystery behind an oft-married Viennese doctor whose wives met mysterious fates. Under the direction of Tim Whelan, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Basil Rathbone, Ellen Drew, John Howard. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Mad Doctor offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Mad Doctor resonates with current cultural themes in the Crime space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, The Mad Doctor is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Mad Doctor centers on a unique premise within the Crime landscape. A reporter sleuths the mystery behind an oft-married Viennese doctor whose wives met mysterious fates. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1940 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Mad Doctor has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Mad Doctor sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Mad Doctor (1940): with an audience rating of 6.2/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Crime, Romance, Thriller cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Mad Doctor is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence, romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, The Mad Doctor stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1940 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Mad Doctor movie hit or flop?
The Mad Doctor has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Mad Doctor worth watching?
The Mad Doctor is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Romance, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Mad Doctor?
The Mad Doctor is a Crime, Romance, Thriller movie that A reporter sleuths the mystery behind an oft-married Viennese doctor whose wives met mysterious fates....
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Mad Doctor movie hit or flop?
The Mad Doctor has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Mad Doctor worth watching?
The Mad Doctor is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Romance, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Mad Doctor?
The Mad Doctor is a Crime, Romance, Thriller movie that A reporter sleuths the mystery behind an oft-married Viennese doctor whose wives met mysterious fates....
Is The Mad Doctor family friendly?
The Mad Doctor may not be suitable for all family members as it contains Crime, Romance, Thriller elements. Parental guidance is recommended.
Where can I watch The Mad Doctor?
You can find streaming options and availability for The Mad Doctor on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of The Mad Doctor?
The Mad Doctor features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie The Mad Doctor?
The runtime and duration of The Mad Doctor are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
There is something really quite sinister to Basil Rathbone's title performance in this rather intimidating psychological thriller. We know from the outset that he has disposed of his wife "Ida" - ostensibly pneumonia - but the local physician "Dr. Downer" (Ralph Morgan) is suspicious. Shortly after cleaning up on the inheritance, he moves with his friend "Maurice" (Martin Kosleck) to start afresh. Now you don't have to be Einstein to recognise that these two men are more than just roomies, and that causes a bit of consternation when "Dr. Sebastian" finds new prey. This time, in the guise of the deeply troubled "Linda" (Ellen Drew). With a marriage and a trip to Quito on the cards, might history be about to repeat itself? Well, fortunately for "Linda" reporter "Sawyer" (John Howard) is also a bit suspicious of the man, and after a bit of investigation and a chat with "Downer", the two begin to piece together quite a different persona for Rathbone than the one he has been successful peddling thus far. Can they act in time to thwart his malevolent plan? Tim Whelan allows his star to exude menace here. The script is really only adequate, but the pace is good and the gradually accumulating sense of peril - and a wonderfully seedy contribution from the increasingly envious "Maurice" leads us towards a conclusion where nothing is predictable. Actually, on that front I was a little disappointed, but all in all, this is a dark and effective tale of manipulation that is well worth a watch.