The horror of drug abuse

treeline1

Ed Avery (James Mason) is a typical (though idealized) 1950s husband and father who is facing serious health problem. To save his life, he begins taking the controversial new drug Cortisone which soon brings about a major – and quite shocking – personality transformation.

James Mason is superb in this role. At first, he's charming and lovable, but gradually morphs into a horrifying monster. He had me utterly convinced he was really vile and very dangerous. Barbara Rush gives a good performance as the steadfast housewife and mother who loves him, no matter how grotesque he becomes. Walter Matthau is likable in a supporting role as Ed's co-worker. The movie was directed by Nicholas Ray ("Rebel Without a Cause") and had some surprisingly blunt and realistic dialogue for 1956.

This story is even more relevant today with so much drug abuse and dependence. Mason's transformation from 'Father Knows Best' to 'Mr. Hyde' is utterly believable and frightening. Good movie.

score /10

treeline1 6 May 2012

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2607586/