The Devil's Hand (1961)

I enjoy this way more than I should, 30 August 2015

Rick Turner (Robert Alda) is an engaged man who begins having dreams about a very seductive blonde woman. He is mysteriously drawn to a doll shop where he finds not only a doll that looks like his fiancé, but another that is the spitting image of the woman in his dreams. He finds the woman, Bianca Milan (Linda Christian), and immediately falls under her spell. In no time at all, Rick has all but forgotten his fiancé, professed his undying love for Bianca, and joined a cult that worships Gamba, the Devil God of Evil. Wow, that was quick!

I readily admit - I enjoy this movie way more than I should. The Devil's Hand isn't particularly good, but it is a blast. Why? The main reason is Neil Hamilton as the doll shop owner / cult leader Francis Lamont. Most people my age will immediately recognize Hamilton as Commissioner Gordon form the 1960s Batman TV program. He plays Lamont just like he did Commissioner Gordon - perfectly straight. And it's a blast to watch! He delivers some of the most ridiculous lines with an absolute straight face. I loved it. 

The rest of the movie is entertaining enough with a reasonably good plot, the stunning Linda Christian, and the wheel of death being highlights. If I have one complaint, it would be Robert Alda. Bland doesn't begin to describe him in The Devil's Hand. But I suppose that's the type of character who could so easily be seduced into joining a the cult of Gamba, the Devil God of Evil. (Is it necessary to add the "Evil" part at the end? He is a Devil God after all. "Evil" would seems a bit redundant.)

7/10