The story of Dr. Anton Mesmer, the man who discoverd hypnotism.The story of Dr. Anton Mesmer, the man who discoverd hypnotism.The story of Dr. Anton Mesmer, the man who discoverd hypnotism.
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Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaGravestone is shown with epitaph: "Lived in Glory Died in Shame. Forgotten, his story Defiled his name.
Franz Anton Mesmer 1815"
- Crazy creditsMesmerize, to hypnotize or place subject in trance. See Franz Mesmer, Austrian doctor, from whose name word was coined (1733--1815).
- ConnectionsFollowed by Annie Was a Wonder (1949)
Featured review
"Dr. Mesmer was believed by the ignorant to be in league with the powers of Hell."
Atmospheric entry in John Nesbitt's Passing Parade series that covers the life of 18th century German physician Franz Anton Mesmer. Yes the 'mesmerism' guy. This short tells of the techniques Mesmer used to treat the ill, including his experimentation with hypnotism. The short is dripping with cynicism from the start with narrator (and writer) John Nesbitt never missing an opportunity to mock Mesmer and those who believed in his quack medicine. Nothing wrong with pointing out the guy was a fraud but the tone is so harsh it struck me as a bit personal, like Nesbitt was ranting. It's all the more strange when you consider the short ends asking the question of whether Mesmer was a healer or a fraud, as if it had not been exclusively making the case for the latter the entire time. This was made in the 1940s and the runtime is brief, so obviously don't expect an accurate history lesson. As entertainment it's not bad for a short. It's a nice production with good atmosphere from director Edward L. Cahn and cinematographer Paul Vogel. John Baragrey, sounding somewhat like Charles Boyer, is good as Mesmer. Morris Ankrum has a bit part as the father of a blind girl. Definitely worth a look if you're into the subject matter or just enjoy the Passing Parade series.
helpful•10
- utgard14
- Jul 3, 2015
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- Passing Parade No. 67: The Fabulous Fraud
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- Runtime11 minutes
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- 1.37 : 1
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