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(1949) Maurice Teynac, Aimé Clariond, Alexandre Rignault, Yves Furet, Marcelle Chantal, Nora Costes, Robert Arnous, Berthe Bovy. Everyone in Paris thinks Fantomas has died, but a tidal wave of extortion, blackmail and murder all point to the monstrous maniac being back from the dead. Inspector Juve and his reporter pal Fandor set out to discover the truth. Is Fantomas still alive? They actually team up with underworld kingpins in an effort to find out. But in a shocking turn of events, they discover the crimes are being committed by a mad doctor posing as Fantomas, aided by his team of killer zombies, which he has created using advanced brain surgery. However, the real Fantomas (who’s not dead) confronts the mad doctor and coerces him into an unholy relationship whereby they will conduct a reign of terror. Their hideout is a forlorn castle-convent hidden in a forest. It’s complete with, among other things, sliding iron doors, a really cool laboratory, and a gigantic vat of acid, etc. When things go sour between Fantomas and the doctor, all hell breaks loose as the zombies are freed from their cells and go on a vengeful rampage. The scene where Fantomas is confronted by the zombies is reminiscent of the climax of Island of Lost Souls. While this is happening, Fandor and a squad of police are closing in. The climactic lab scene is incredible. Clariond turns in one of the “maddest” mad doctor portrayals in screen history. Very cool! Pretty much a sequel to Fantomas (1947). In French with English Subtitles. 35mm.
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