
The Crime of Doctor Crespi 1935
"It Starts Where "Frankenstein" Left Off!"
In John H. Auer's shadowy 1935 thriller *The Crime of Doctor Crespi*, a brilliant but unhinged physician crafts a sinister serum that plunges victims into a death-like trance, leaving them helpless yet fully conscious.
Director: John H. Auer
Cast





Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Crime of Doctor Crespi (1935) about?
A deranged scientist creates a serum that induces catatonia, allowing him to bury his enemies alive while they remain conscious but paralyzed. The film follows his gruesome experiments as he targets those who wronged him.
Who directed The Crime of Doctor Crespi?
The film was directed by John H. Auer, known for his work in mid-century B-movies and crime dramas.
Who stars in The Crime of Doctor Crespi?
The cast includes Erich von Stroheim, Dwight Frye, Paul Guilfoyle, Geraldine Kay, and Harriet Russell.
Is The Crime of Doctor Crespi (1935) worth watching?
While not as widely remembered as some horror classics, *The Crime of Doctor Crespi* offers a brisk, atmospheric ride with strong performances from its lead actors. Its blend of crime and horror makes it a hidden gem for fans of vintage thrillers.
How long is The Crime of Doctor Crespi?
The film runs for 59 minutes, a compact runtime typical of early sound-era productions.
About The Crime of Doctor Crespi (1935) — A 1935 Horror Crime Thriller Starring Erich von Stroheim
In John H. Auer's shadowy 1935 thriller *The Crime of Doctor Crespi*, a brilliant but unhinged physician crafts a sinister serum that plunges victims into a death-like trance, leaving them helpless yet fully conscious. His twisted experiments turn the quiet streets of the film's unnamed setting into a playground for macabre revenge, as he buries his enemies alive while they remain trapped in catatonic paralysis. Blending crime, horror, and mystery into a tight 59-minute runtime, the movie drips with Gothic tension and the eerie dread of early horror cinema.
Starring the legendary Erich von Stroheim as the diabolical doctor, the cast also features Dwight Frye and Paul Guilfoyle as allies and adversaries in this claustrophobic tale of obsession and scientific hubris. The film's atmosphere is thick with unease, its themes of control and punishment echoing the darker corners of classic horror. Whether you're a fan of vintage thrillers or curious about early psychological horror, *The Crime of Doctor Crespi (1935)* delivers a compact yet chilling look at the cost of playing god.