Preceded by short: Samadhi (Jordan Belson, USA, 1967). A shimmering, radiant, and visionary "documentary of the human soul" (Belson) that depicts the quest for enlightenment. (6 mins, Color, 16mm, From PFA Collection) Ray Milland stars as Dr. Xavier, a scientist frustrated by the physical limitations of human vision, in X-The Man with X-Ray Eyes, Roger Corman's existential treatise on insatiable scopophilia. After successfully testing a potent X-ray eyedrop solution on a laboratory monkey, Xavier blatantly violates proper scientific method (but adheres strictly to correct mad-scientist movie etiquette) by immediately using himself as subject. His X-ray peepers are good for fun and games early on (they see through clothing, help him win when gambling, etc.), but when his vision grows strong enough to see all the way to eternity, drastic measures must be taken. Terrific low-budget special effects make this one of Corman's best (non-Poe) films from the early sixties.-Albert Kilchesty