The Fabulous Fraud

Was he a healer or a fraud? We'll never know and this short subject gives no definitive answer.

It begins with Dr. Anton Mesmer (JOHN BARAGREY) shocking a wheelchair patient into walking when he splashes liquid into her startled face. She struggles to her feet, wanting to attack him, but he reminds her that she's walking--and she faints.

Thereafter, other cures with Mesmer's "kill or cure" approach--some successful, others not.

This is one in a series from John Nesbitt's "Passing Parade" and is certainly among the more curious looks at an historical figure from the 1800s. But it all leads to nothing, with no resolution even suggested.

Summing up: Not exactly mesmerizing.

This short, loosely based on a very small portion of the life of Dr. Franz Mesmer, is short on style, substance, and running time. Actually, very few facts are related here, and the desultory manner in which they are conveyed do nothing to help this very short short.

While not exactly the inventor of hypnotism, his social impact was of such an extent that the word "mesmerized" is derived from his name. The Fabulous Fraud is not a well made, or acted, documentary short, but at a mercifully crisp 11 minute running time it's still pretty difficult to get up a head of angry before the thing is over.

Another one of the little "space filler" numbers run on TCM in the early morning hours, these shorts are still fun to watch strictly for the "What the hell is this?" oddness of it.

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.

I disagree with other postings for this marvelous 'little' film. "The Fabulous Fraud" is a very well produced entry into the "Passing Parade" series. This series from the MGM shorts dept always featured good credentials. Most all consisted of talented cast members, good sets, costumes and capable Directors (many major Directors started with MGM Featuretts) These stories managed to be professionally put together on a minuscule budget. This particular title offered an early glimpse into the use of Hypnosis in treating certain medical conditions. John Nesbitt always produced a quality script and with his fine reading voice gave us fascinating insights into situations and characters from our history.

The Cinematography is by none other than Award winning Paul Vogel also known for his great work in numerous superb looking features: "Lady in the Lake" '47 - "Battleground" '49 - "Wonderful World of the Bros Grimm" '62 - "High Society" '56 - It's a Dogs Life" '55 and many other important movies. The scenes at the beginning and end of 'Fabulous Fraud', where the camera glides through a stark forest landscape at night are quite haunting. The Director, Edward L. Cahn went on to make "The Four Skulls of Johnnathan Drake" '59 and other support type features.

In a minor early role the reliable Morris Ankrum, an Atorney and Economics professor before turning to acting, manages to make a customary good impression, even with a part where he doesn't get to deliver a single line. John Baragrey from "The Lady or the Tiger" '42 and "The Loves of Carman" '48. is interesting as Dr Anton Mesmer. The Female roles are also diverting: Phyllis Morris appeared in "Three Came Home" - "Colonel Blimp" - "Goodbye Mr Chips" etc, with Marcia Mae Jones making appearances in "The Life of Emile Zola" '37 - "The Way We Were" '73 etc.

Look past the comments from those who seem to enjoy being impossible to please, without due consideration for the production restrictions imposed. This interesting story was recently screened to a film appreciation group and received a round of applause. Catch it on TCM when you can! Ken Roche.

It's MGM presents John Nesbitt's Passing Parade. It is 18th century Paris. Dr. Anton Mesmer runs his Clinic of Mesmerism. The narration suggests that he is a fraud. He treats the aristocratic class and their imagined illnesses. He does also treat the poorer classes. One such patient is a blind girl and through her, he discovers the power of hypnotism.

I don't know how much of this is true. Quite frankly, I have doubts about most of this material. So I can't claim this to be informative. As to its entertainment value, I can't find much of that here either. It is a rather flat telling of a biography.