What Is This Evil That Shadows Their Lives? Experiment Perilous was directed by Jacques Tourneur and features a screenplay by Warren Duff based on Margaret Carpenter’s novel of the same name. The film stars Hedy Lamarr, George Brent, Paul Lukas, Albert Dekker, Olive Blakeney, and Carl Esmond; Roy Webb composed the music and Tony Gaudio handled the cinematography. The story takes place in 1903 New York, where psychiatrist Dr. Huntington Bailey (Brent) finds himself drawn into a complicated situation involving Clarissa (Blakeney), Allida (Lamarr), and Nick Bederaux (Lukas). I felt as though I was experiencing their strange and distorted lives while reading the diary tonight. The title is striking, but somewhat misleading because it suggests a horror film like Frankenstein. Experiment Perilous originates from a Hippocrates saying, which Brent’s doctor mentions during the story's progression. The original Carpenter novel occurred in modern times, but the decision was made to move the narrative to the early 1900s to incorporate period elements—a choice that proved beneficial. The film shares similarities with The Murder In Thornton Square (or its remake Gaslight, released in 1944), Rebecca, and Suspicion; while Tourneur’s movie doesn't quite reach their level of quality, it still offers considerable enjoyment, particularly for those who appreciate his work. It unfolds at a deliberate pace, a dialogue-driven film that almost falters under the weight of excessive exposition and overly complex psychological observations during its first hour. However, the visuals and contrasting interior and exterior period settings created by Tourneur and Gaudio are quite impressive (the interior designs received an Oscar nomination). The story is set against a backdrop of steam trains, snow-covered gaslit streets, and an imposing period Brownstone house (the effective use of miniatures is another plus), while the interiors range from elegant décor to shadowy rooms and a concealed spiral staircase. Tourneur uses these elements to elevate the standard plot formula. The narrative clearly signals that something isn't quite right with Lukas’s questionable husband character, so it’s not unexpected to see a romance developing between Brent’s doctor and Lamarr’s emotionally troubled wife who seems to be in danger. These predictable developments are skillfully managed by the director; flashbacks offer assistance, and unsettling details like a child hidden upstairs and the Bederaux family history maintain a sense of mystery and suspense. The acting is strong across the board: Lukas portrays suspicion convincingly, Brent embodies thoughtfulness, and Lamarr conveys a fragile innocence that’s essential to the story's core. It all leads up to an intense climax involving fire, water, and what appears to be a desperate race against time… Some patience is required to fully appreciate the film, but those who enjoy neo-gothic elements will find them here. 7.5/10

Source on TMDB