Experiment in Evil
Dr. Cordelier, living in a suburb of Paris, withdraws from society to pursue research into the functioning of the human brain. His lifelong friend, Maître Joly, becomes concerned when Cordelier draws up a will that bequeaths his entire estate to a stranger, Monsieur Opale; he cannot understand why Cordelier defends him, considering Opale attacks women and children. After a colleague is killed, Joly confronts Cordelier and discovers the truth behind his friend's behavior.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
Your rating
Your review
Cast
28 people
Jean-Louis Barrault
Dr. Cordelier / Opale
Known for
Children of Paradise
That Night of Varennes
Teddy Bilis
Joly
Also in
Fortunate
Les Culottes rouges
Michel Vitold
Dr. Lucien Severin
Known for
The Confession
Maigret and the St. Fiacre Case
Sylviane Margollé
Little Girl Attacked by Opale
Known for
A Monkey in Winter
Jacques Danoville
Commissioner Lardaut
Also in
Pete the Tender
André Certes
Inspector Salbris
Known for
Bay of Angels
Magnet of Doom
Jean-Pierre Granval
Boss of the Short-Time Hotel
Known for
Picnic on the Grass
Maigret and the St. Fiacre Case
Jean Bertho
First Passer-By during the Aggression
Also in
Meurtre au ralenti
Si c'était vous
Jacques Ciron
Second Passer-By during the Aggression
Known for
Frantic
Ernest & Celestine
Annick Allières
Neighbor
Known for
Love Is My Profession
Dominique Dangon
Little Girl's Mother
No other roles listed
Jean Topart
Désiré, Butler
Known for
Ulysses 31
Fantastic Planet
Jean Renoir Director · Robert Louis Stevenson Author Joseph Kosma Composer
First release August 31, 1959 · Produced in France · Production Radio-Télévision Française, ORTF
Production
Compagnie Jean Renoir
Production
Radio-Télévision Française
Production
ORTF
Production
France
Produced in
Languages
Original title
Le Testament du docteur Cordelier
Original language
French
Spoken on screen
French
Release dates
Italy · August 31, 1959
Premiere · Venice Film Festival
France · November 17, 1961
Limited theatrical · Paris
No release date listed for United States.
Denmark
January 9, 1961 · Theatrical
Finland
July 1, 1966 · Theatrical
France
November 16, 1961 · TV · RTF Télévision
Germany
April 28, 1961 · Theatrical · West Germany
Italy
July 23, 1960 · Theatrical
Mexico
February 10, 1966 · Theatrical
Portugal
June 30, 1961 · Theatrical
Spain
January 6, 1964 · Theatrical
Sweden
July 4, 1960 · Theatrical
Uruguay
November 27, 1961 · Theatrical
More from Jean Renoir
Other films they directed, best known first.
If you liked Experiment in Evil
Picks that share its genres, themes, cast and crew.
Some details come from TheTVDB.