This is certainly one of a kind. Edward G. Robinson is the only character to do what this guy does. For purposes of research into the criminal mind, he becomes a jewel thief. First he studies himself (of course that has limited value as research), so he needs to get into a gang to study them. Of course, he is a criminal himself because others are being victimized by him. Humphrey Bogart is a sociopath and Robinson makes him his guinea pig. It leads to a study of the most serious of crimes and a trip to court and the risk of execution. Robinson's cool Dr. Clitterhouse is a remarkably original, underplayed character. HIs motivations are pure; his methods are severe.

The IMDb summary for this film lists it as a black comedy. I'm don't see it as a comedy, although there are some humorous moments. Rather, I see it as a film that is difficult to classify because it is rather unique. And what a pleasure it is when one finds a film that is unique.For those who like Edward G. Robinson, and I always have, this is a special treat, because here he doesn't play a gangster...exactly. He plays a doctor (Clitterhouse) who wants to research why some people pursue crime as a living...so he becomes a jewel thief himself. It's cool to see Robinson play someone with some refinement, since he was, in actuality, a rather refined man with an interest is art collecting, for example. But, as the plot develops, he must commit murder. The climax of the film is a courtroom scene where he acquitted based on insanity...but it's a wonderful twist on how that's decided.Since I first viewed this film I've revised my opinion about Humprhery Bogart in this film. Originally, I didn't feel that he fared very well in this film. He plays a rather seedy character involved in an underworld fencing operation. But in watching the film a second time, I think he actually does rather nicely, showing a little heart, despite having little class. Claire Trevor is the love interest, surprisingly for Clitterhouse. There are several character actors you'll recognize here -- Ward Bond, Allen Jenkins, Henry O'Neill, Donald Crisp, and Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom.Definitely well worth a watch!

Missed viewing this great Classic 1938 Classic film which stars great veteran actors like Edward G. Robinson, (Dr. T S Clitterhouse) who is a psychiatrist and medical doctor who decides to investigate the world of crime. Dr. Clitterhouse gets himself involved with criminals and wants to do a study of what makes all these people chose the life of crime and even gives blood tests to all the criminals. Claire Trevor, ( Joe Keller) and Humphrey Bogart, (Rocks Vallentine) are a few of the people involved with Dr. Clitterhouse's study of the criminal mind. There is also some very comedy scenes and all the actors give an outstanding performance.

With a name like Dr. Clitterhouse, he should have been a gynecologist instead of an evil genius. I saw this title while looking up an old movie that I was watching, and, after guffawing, I wondered if those responsible for titling this picture were just having a go at the censors. It really sounds like it should be the corny title of a porno flick, no? Oh well, I thought Edward G. Robinson did a very good job, and my girl friend thought that he looked very much like her doctor, who is also very amazing, but not quite as amazing as Dr. Clitterhouse. I hope that someone considers doing a re-make of this movie just so I could gauge public reaction to the title. It sounds like it could be a good Steve Martin vehicle.