Tonight's Movie: The Diamond Wizard (1954) - A Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review

One of the Kino Lorber releases I've most looked forward to in recent months is THE DIAMOND WIZARD (1954). This restored 3D film was released as a Kino Lorber Studio Classics special edition, complete with cardboard slipcase, and it did not disappoint.

THE DIAMOND WIZARD, known as THE DIAMOND in the UK, was the only feature-length 3D film shot in England. Produced after the 3D craze had peaked, it never had an actual 3D release.

I first saw this film streamed via Amazon Prime in 2014, but I feel confident in saying that this version, restored by Bob Furmanek and the 3D Film Archive, looks worlds better. Indeed, there's a brief "before and after" comparison featurette which shows the stark contrast between the raw elements and the final product released by Kino Lorber. I reviewed the film in the 2D format included in the set.

Dennis O'Keefe stars in THE DIAMOND WIZARD as an FBI agent who visits England on a case, where he works with a Scotland Yard inspector (genial Philip Friend of BUCCANEER'S GIRL). The setup is quite reminiscent of O'Keefe's earlier film WALK A CROOKED MILE (1948) which had O'Keefe as an FBI agent opposite Louis Hayward as a Scotland Yard agent visiting the United States.

The leading lady is Margaret Sheridan of THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD (1951); her father (Paul Hardtmuth) is a scientist mixed up with a ring of crooks planning to put artificial diamonds he's created on the market.

I went into the plot and critiquing the film in considerably more detail in my 2014 review and rather than "reinvent the wheel," I'd like to invite readers to click over to that post for a fuller critical assessment; in short, it may not be a great film, but it's entertaining and definitely my kind of movie!

The 83-minute film was written by John C. Higgins from a story by O'Keefe (under his pen name, Jonathan Rix), based on novel by Maurice Procter. O'Keefe also directed, with black and white filming by Gordon Lang.

A curious side note: While O'Keefe is the sole credited director on the U.S. version, Glenn Erickson says that Montgomery Tully is credited on the UK version.

There are three versions of the film in the Kino Lorber set: A 3D version which can be watched on 3D-equipped players; a second 3D version which can be watched with red and blue glasses, provided in the case; and a flat 2D version.

Extras include the previously mentioned restoration comparison, the trailer, and a brief commentary/featurette. The film is shown under its British title, THE DIAMOND, and the extras include alternate opening credits with the U.S. title.

Anyone interested in this film will find this set well worth checking out.

Thanks to Kino Lorber for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray.

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