A totally mad little film—full of big sci-fi ideas, daft dialogue, and gloriously cheesy special effects. It kicks off with a splendidly surreal shot that sets the tone and ends with one you really don’t want to see (but can’t look away from). Sure, it’s a bit creaky in places, but there’s real charm in the chaos. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for something properly bonkers.
Directed by Roger Corman this is one of his typical 'B' movies, an early 1960s low budget sci-fi film about a doctor who develops a serum to enhance the sensitivity of the eye to a wider spectrum - then experiments on himself.
The running time of 75 minutes is just right - the storyline is slim, and any longer would drag - as Dr Xavier (Ray Milland, wearing his usual hairpiece) sees his vision improve to where he can improve medical diagnosis, see through clothes, beat the house at a casino, then go downhill through 'mind reading' to being disabled by the sensitivity of his eyes...
Modern effects would both enhance and yet ruin this film - it is what it is, a period piece of science fiction. Superb stuff - 4/5 stars, although that does seem a little generous.