"Dr. Phibes Rises Again" makes the usually dumb mistake of aspiring to be camp. Mysteriously, a lot of it works, probably because Robert Fuest, the director, knows just how long to hold an effect before it wilts.

A lively, spirited sequel to The Abominable Dr Phibes, which misses the Se7en-like rigour of a plot structured around the Plagues of Egypt but still manages to come up with a succession of gruesome, black comic death scenes.

Vincent Price, as Phibes, delivers one of his priceless theatric performances, and Quarry is a properly ruthless rival who nearly matches Phibes in knowledge and cunning.

The intelligent, witty, and totally campy performances rise toward a fun, memorable conclusion...