The Crime of Doctor Hallet

This film concerns identity theft in the jungle of Sumatra where doctor Ralph Bellamy (Dr Hallet) is trialling a cure for 'red fever' in monkeys. He is assisted by fellow doctor William Gargan (Dr Murray) and they carry out their research, always unsuccessful but ever hopeful. A new assistant is sent to help them in the form of recently graduated John 'Dusty' King (Dr Saunders) but Bellamy doesn't take kindly to him and King is given menial tasks to perform. However, King is the key to success and cracks the formula needed by experimenting himself and on himself with tragic consequences. His research must be finished by the guilt-ridden Bellamy. Throw in some women to stir some emotion and cause drama, especially when King's wife Barbara Read (Claire) decides to pay a visit, and the film holds your attention for the full running time.

It's a different setting and the cast are all fine and it poses a moral question about identity theft for the good of the human race. Not sure whose identity I would choose to steal but I have no doubt that there are many individuals trawling through databases of dead people to do just that and perhaps claim benefits on their behalf or carry out more sinister evil-doings. The film has a good novelty value and half-way through, we have a surprise doctor turn up - Josephine Hutchinson (Dr Reynolds) - to take up a position and help with the scientific break-through. Drama in the jungle.