The Abominable Dr. Phibes

Trivia: Phibes was originally much more devious and unlikeable in the original script, but his character was slightly mellowed out in subsequent drafts, which made his motives clearer and based on losing his wife, and removed any violence not aimed at his targets.

TedStixon

Trivia: The bats that eat one of Phibes' victims are actually "played" by flying foxes, which are a very peaceful type of fruit bat that don't eat meat (outside of some insects) and are typically very docile.

TedStixon

Trivia: The film's original tagline was "Love means never having to say you're ugly!" in a play on the famous line "Love means never having to say you're sorry..." from the film "Love Story."

TedStixon

Factual error: In keeping with the theme of the Ten Plagues of Egypt, Doctor Phibes has one of his victims eaten alive by locusts. Not likely. Locusts are strictly herbivorous, and like all herbivores locusts won't touch anything that moves. They would not be attracted by the slimy goo poured over their 'victim', because they zero in on plant pheromones and nothing else.

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Dr. Anton Phibes: Where can we find two better hemispheres, without sharp north, without declining west? My face in thine eye, thine in mine appears, and true plain hearts do in thee faces rest. Within twenty-four hours, my work will be finished, and then, my precious jewel, I will join you in your setting. We shall be reunited forever in a secluded corner of the great elysian field of the beautiful beyond.

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Question: One of the doctors Phibes blames for his wife's death during an operation is Dr. Hargreaves, whose head is crushed inside a frog mask during a costume ball. But earlier, while introducing himself to Phibes, Dr. Hargreaves says he is a psychiatrist ("headshrinker"). Why would a psychiatrist be present during an operation to save someone's life?

Answer: A psychiatrist is still an M.D., and still went to medical school. Perhaps this one had some knowledge of the case, or was simply on hand to provide assistance.

wizard_of_gore

Answer: To treat anticipated shock.

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