This is a Roger Corman directed tale about a doctor who develops eye drops that allow him to see into and through everything. I like Ray Milland (Dr. Xavier) and Diana Van der Vlis (Dr. Fairfax) in this. They're kind of an odd couple but are both committed to stretching the limits of science and medicine.

Dr. Xavier has a couple of successes with his new powers but everything ultimately goes to Hell in a hand basket, with Xavier running from the police and working a carnival sideshow. There's also a shocking ending that has stuck with me since traumatizing me as a youngster.

This tale is told with complete seriousness...well, other than the dated party scene. You could call it a B-movie but that would be unfair. If you find it corny, it's because you may expect more from its special effects or you can't adjust your point of view to the era in which it was made. This is a common problem, especially with younger movie viewers. For some reason most can't distance themselves from the time that they currently live in, even when it comes to appreciating the movies, music and culture of the past.

This isn't a great movie by any stretch but appreciate the awe and mystery it's trying to present. The actual ability to see into that which has been previously unseen.

RELEASED IN 1963 and directed by Roger Corman, "X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes" chronicles events in Los Angeles when a doctor (Ray Milland) develops a formula that grants x-ray vision, which derails his career and forces him to join a carnival, using his new power to make a living. Diana Van der Vlis plays his disciple while Don Rickles is on hand as a carnival barker.

The early 60’s vibe is to die for, but the beginning is rather dull. Things perk up at an adult party where the aging doctor tries to keep hip and eventually sees everyone nakkid (lol). The carnival sequence and what it leads into are arguably the best parts, although the Vegas and tent revival episodes have their attractions. The movie scores meh on the female front, but Lorrie Summers and Cathie Merchant have small parts.

THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 19 minutes and was shot in Los Angeles, California & Las Vegas, Nevada. WRITERS: Robert Dillon and Ray Russell. ADDITIONAL CAST: Harold J. Stone and John Hoyt play colleagues of the doctor.

GRADE: B-

If thine eyes offend thee...

Brilliant Doctor Xavier is working on a a serum to hopefully improve human sight, he stumbles upon a formula that can give subjects x-ray vision. Refusing to wait for approval from colleagues, and driven by the potential the serum has, he tests it on himself. At first it seems to be a remarkable, almost beautiful thing, but as things move on, Xavier spirals downwards towards the darkest depths that man can see.

X is a totally memorable piece of sci-fi schlock, at times visceral with its weirdness, and at others wholly disturbing, this ranks as one of the best of director Roger Corman's efforts. Ray Milland takes the lead role of Xavier and adds a touch of class to the proceedings, Xavier's descent is quite something to observe with Milland layering it perfectly. From the jaunty hilarity of being able to see thru peoples clothes, to the joy of being able to beat the casino at their own game, Xavier still has to go further because his pain is too much to bear, and only come the final shocking finale are we the viewers able to see clearly Xavier's pain. 7/10

Bizarre, but I like it.

'X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes' is quite the interesting film. Perfectly paced at almost 80 minutes, it features a very good performance from Ray Milland as James Xavier. Diana Van der Vlis and Harold J. Stone are solid behind Milland, while there's also a role for Mr. Potato Head himself Don Rickles.

Based on the title, you can presume a few beats as to what will happen (man has x-ray vision, women appear... you can guess what occurs next - not that it 'shows' anything, mind). Still, there are also some quite good horror bits involved - the last scene with Stone's character and the final scene itself are rather awesome. For 63', the special effects look swell too.

A very good flick, one that most definitely has strong rewatchability to it.