Production and Reception
The movie was filmed in London and on location in a desert in Spain in December 1971 through January 1972, and released in July 1972. The original Vulnavia, Virginia North, was pregnant and was replaced by model Valli Kemp, who had been Miss Australia of 1970.
The film was rushed into production after the success of the first. The Fuest-penned script suffered from budget restraints and studio meddling. Studio executives mandated that Vulnavia return instead of Phibes getting a new assistant, and caused many parts and plot points to be edited out, which resulted in viewer confusion. Phibes' over-the-top murders seem to be done as much for demented glee as for revenge, the original film's motive. Vincent Price and Robert Quarry did not get along well behind the scenes, as Quarry accused Price of overacting, and Price viewed his costar as an AIP-sanctioned Eve Harrington. Some actors from the original film, such as Terry-Thomas, appeared in different roles.
Due to copyright difficulties, the original VHS release substituted Price's rendition of "Over the Rainbow" with background music lifted from the end credits of The Abominable Dr. Phibes. The original ending remains intact in prints shown in theaters and on television, and is restored on the DVD edition. Phibes' performance of "Over the Rainbow" is an anachronism: the film is set in 1928, while the song was written in 1938.
Opinion on this film is divided, but it is generally considered as good as the first Phibes outing. It has developed a cult following over the years, as has the first film.
Read more about this topic: Dr. Phibes Rises Again
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