Donovan's Brain (1953)
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50% of critics liked it
(10 reviews) -
48% of users liked it
(99 ratings)
Felix E. Feist directed this second adaptation of the novel by Curt Siodmak (filmed previously in 1944 as The Lady and the Monster and later in 1963 as The Brain), which tells the story of a brilliant brain specialist (Lew Ayres) whose attempts to save the life of an accident victim result in the… More Felix E. Feist directed this second adaptation of the novel by Curt Siodmak (filmed previously in 1944 as The Lady and the Monster and later in 1963 as The Brain), which tells the story of a brilliant brain specialist (Lew Ayres) whose attempts to save the life of an accident victim result in the extraction of the dying patient's brain, kept alive via electrodes and a special solution. Before long, the disembodied gray-matter -- which previously belonged to sinister, wealthy industrialist Donovan -- begins to exert a supernatural influence over the doctor, until the once-kindly scientist begins taking on Donovan's aggressive, paranoid personality traits and is compelled to carry out the brain's nefarious commands. This is by far the most effective and intelligent treatment of its source material, building a creepy, suspenseful mood while avoiding lapses into pulp-novel camp. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi
- Directed By
- Felix E. Feist
- Written By
- Felix Feist
- Genres
- Horror, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jun 1, 1953 Wide
- Studio
- MGM Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
So-so adaptation of the Curt Siodmak novel
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Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Lew Ayres
as Dr. Patrick J. Cory
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Gene Evans
as Dr. Frank Schratt
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Nancy Davis
as Janice Cory
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Steve Brodie
as Herbie Yocum
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Lisa Howard
as Chloe Donovan
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Tom Powers
as Advisor
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Michael Colgan
as Tom Donovan
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Kyle James
as Ranger Chief Tuttle
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Stapleton Kent
as W.J. Higgins
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Peter Adams
as Mr. Webster
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Victor Sutherland
as Nathaniel Fuller
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John Hamilton
as Mr. MacNish
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Harlan Warde
as Mr. Booke
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Paul Hoffman
as Mr. Smith
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William Cottrell
as Dr. Crane
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Tony Merrill
as Hotel Desk Clerk
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Mark Lowell
as Supply Company Clerk
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Shimen Ruskin
as Tailor
