Doctor Crippen Poster

Doctor Crippen 1942

★ 8.52 votes86 min📅 1942-11-06

In this gripping 1942 crime thriller, director Erich Engels crafts a chilling portrait of deception and murder behind the respectable façade of a doctor's marriage.

Director: Erich Engels

Cast

Rudolf Fernau
Rudolf Fernau
Dr. Frank Crippen
René Deltgen
René Deltgen
Chief Inspector Düwell
Anja Elkoff
Cora Crippen
Gertrud Meyen
Gertrud Meyen
Lucie Talbot
Rolf Weih
Arnoldi
Max Gülstorff
Max Gülstorff
"Montrose"-Captain Kendall
Paul Dahlke
Paul Dahlke
Crippen's Attorney
O.E. Hasse
O.E. Hasse
Prof. Morrison
Ernst Waldow
Ernst Waldow
Dr. Hidden
Wilhelm Bendow
Wilhelm Bendow
Pharmacist Harras

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Doctor Crippen (1942) about?

This 1942 crime drama follows the mysterious disappearance of Cora, a beloved trapeze artist, after a party at her home with her husband, Dr. Frank Crippen. Police uncover horrific evidence in their garden, sparking a manhunt for the doctor, who has already gone into hiding.

Who directed Doctor Crippen?

The film was directed by Erich Engels, a German filmmaker known for his work in crime and thriller genres.

Who stars in Doctor Crippen?

The film features Rudolf Fernau as Dr. Crippen, alongside René Deltgen, Anja Elkoff, Gertrud Meyen, and Rolf Weih.

Is Doctor Crippen (1942) worth watching?

As an unrated but well-crafted crime thriller, *Doctor Crippen* offers a compelling mix of suspense and historical intrigue. While it lacks modern pacing, its dark atmosphere and performances make it a fascinating watch for classic film enthusiasts.

How long is Doctor Crippen?

The film runs for 86 minutes.

About Doctor Crippen (1942) — The True Crime Story Behind a Doctor's Dark Secret

In this gripping 1942 crime thriller, director Erich Engels crafts a chilling portrait of deception and murder behind the respectable façade of a doctor's marriage. Set in the shadowy underbelly of early 20th-century society, *Doctor Crippen* unravels when Cora, a dazzling trapeze artist, vanishes without a trace after a lavish party in her London home. What begins as a simple disappearance spirals into a forensic nightmare when police uncover ghastly evidence in the couple's garden. With the astute Inspector Düwell hot on his heels, the once-esteemed Dr. Crippen flees, leaving behind a trail of suspicion and horror. The film masterfully blends suspense with a haunting atmosphere, exploring themes of obsession and the duality of human nature.

Shot in moody black-and-white, *Doctor Crippen (1942)* thrives on its stark tension and morally ambiguous characters. Rudolf Fernau delivers a chilling performance as the fugitive doctor, while Anja Elkoff's portrayal of Cora adds a layer of tragic allure. The movie's tight 86-minute runtime keeps the pace relentless, making it a standout in the crime genre of its era. Fans of classic whodunits will find much to admire in this historically inspired tale of betrayal and justice.