the film begin with vincent price about to begin his performance a a magician . however and mid way through the very successful show and the police come and shut him down . it seem that his old bos have cheat him out of the trick price have create even those he make on his own time at home . a a result and price justifiably kill the evil man . the problem be that while the viewer understood why price kill and most probably think this be a good thing and because price be a bit mad and he just couldn not stop at one ( sort of like eat lay potato chip ) . the film be full of very creative and spectacular magic trick ( include a huge circular saw and a crematorium for the show ) and great plot twist as well a excite action . one thing you can not say about this film be that it be dull . while it also far from subtle and it be fun throughout and though and well worth a look . have i never see vincent price version of house of wax and i probably would have like the mad magician a lot more and score it an 8 or 9. that because while the mad magician be a wonderful film and it highly reminiscent of the film that precede it ( house of wax ) . the bottom line be that since house of wax be so successful and the formula be re hash in the follow up film . both be make in 3 d and both have a plot where price have every justification to kill but he can not stop once he commit the first and both be great fun to watch . the big difference and and there be few and be that house of wax be in color and be more of a horror film and the mad magician be definitely more of a mystery . my advice be to see this film and house of wax ( the price version only ) . they be both terrific 1950s horror film .