Plot
Dr. Corrie, a scientist engaged in futuristic research in the field of brain surgery, takes advantage of a plane crash near his lab to surgically remove the still-active brain of despicable magnate Max Holt. Not only is the organ kept alive thanks to the sophisticated techniques Corrie has devised, but it also begins to project its willpower, subjugating the doctor. Once under the brain’s control, Corrie undertakes a thorough investigation of the Holt family to uncover evidence supporting the brain’s firm conviction that the billionaire’s airplane was sabotaged.
Science has to shortcut and tell the world later.
Critique
4.5This third film adaptation of Curt Siodmak’s “Donovan’s Brain” shifts the main emphasis to film noir elements, focusing mainly on the intricate investigation carried out by the protagonist, thus relegating to the background not only the sci-fi component, but the horror aspect as well (the latter is basically non-existent here).
The Stewart/Mackie screenplay delivers a handful of changes from the prior adaptation (1953) that don’t really amount to much, for example, “possessed” Corrie’s distinctive trait – gone is the limping gait, replaced with a habit of drumming his fingers -, or the character who does the blackmailing (changed from a petty journalist to a slimy morgue employee).
Other than the diligent performances and the outstanding B/W photography, the result comes off as decidedly mediocre and not terribly intriguing.
More Info
- Based on the novel "Donovan's Brain" (1942) by Curt Siodmak
Quotes
- Science has to shortcut and tell the world later.
- That brain is still alive!
Trivia
- An interesting concept expressed in Curt Siodmak’s novel, but one systematically ignored by all cinematic adaptations thus far, relates to a potential mutation and/or evolution in the harvested organ: “Since the human brain never reaches full development during the life of the human body, I may be able to let the brain ripen by keeping it artificially alive”. This theory, put forward by the literary protagonist, is later confirmed as the story unfolds. In fact, the scientist ends up noting the following: “Around its bare tissues a new layer of grayish-white matter is forming. Donovan’s brain is growing into a new shape. A new species of creature is building here, which never before existed in this mortal world. A ball of flesh whose life depends on an electric pump and artificial feeding, but capable nevertheless of sending out energies of thought surpassing our limited strength”.
Products
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| Product name | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Donovan's Brain | |
 | Donovan's Brain | |
![The Brain [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - Italy ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515PGsy0LiL._SL75_.jpg) | The Brain [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - Italy ] |
| Nome del prodotto | Prezzo | |
|---|---|---|
 | L'Uomo Che Vinse La Morte (1962) | |
 | Uomo Che Vinse La Morte (L') |
| Product name | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Ein Toter sucht seinen Mrder |
| Nombre del producto | Precio | |
|---|---|---|
 | Donovan's Brain by Curt Siodmak (1999-07-02) | |
| L'uomo che vinse la morte [Italia] [DVD] |
| Produktname | Preis | |
|---|---|---|
| Ein Toter sucht seinen Mörder / The Brain ( ) [ Italienische Import ] |
| Nom du produit | Prix | |
|---|---|---|
 | Donovan's Brain by Curt Siodmak(1999-07) | |
| L'uomo Che vinse la Morte [Import] | |
| Uomo Che Vinse La Morte (L') |
| Product name | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Donovan's Brain | |
| The Brain [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - Italy ] |