The Amazing Mr. X

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The Amazing Mr. X, also known as The Spiritualist, is a 1948 American horror-thriller film noir directed by Bernard Vorhaus. It stars Turhan Bey, Lynn Bari, Cathy O'Donnell, and Richard Carlson. The movie uses black-and-white photography by John Alton and runs 78 minutes.

Plot (easy version)
Christine Faber begins to hear the voice of her dead husband, Paul, and odd things happen at her beach house. A mysterious spiritualist named Alexis seems to know a lot about her and puts on convincing séances. Christine becomes engaged to Martin, but the strange events continue, including money and keepsakes that appear as if Paul is really visiting her.

Christine’s sister Janet and a detective who exposes fraud suspect Alexis, but Alexis wins Janet over by making her believe his powers are real. Janet even helps Christine attend a séance where Paul appears alive again. It turns out Paul faked his death two years earlier and now wants Christine’s wealth. He forces Alexis to keep the con going.

Christine still hears Paul’s voice and is drawn into more danger. Janet eventually uncovers the hidden room with wires and recording devices used to fake the “supernatural” events. Paul threatens Janet, but Alexis tries to protect her. In the struggle, Alexis is shot by Paul; the police arrive, and Paul is killed by gunfire. Alexis dies soon after, and Janet is safe.

Production notes (short)
- Original story by Crane Wilbur; also known as The Spiritualist.
- Produced by Eagle-Lion Films for Turhan Bey; Bernard Vorhaus directed, with a rewrite by Ian McLellan Hunter.
- Filming began January 5, 1948, and lasted about three weeks.
- Other lead roles: Lynn Bari and Cathy O'Donnell.
- The film is in the public domain and is noted for its cinematography by John Alton.
- It was also known at one point as The Mystic and is valued for its demonstration of early film noir lighting.