Donovan's Brain

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

Movie Info

Based on the novel by Curt Siodmak, this horror film follows scientist Dr. Patrick J. Cory's (Lew Ayres) discovery of a method to keep disembodied brains alive. However, when Cory gets a hold of the brain of a ruthless businessman who was killed in a plane crash, the brain takes on a power of its own and threatens to take control of the body and actions of the scientist.

Rating:

NR
Genre:

Classics, Horror, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Directed By:

Felix Feist, Felix E. Feist
Written By:

Felix E. Feist, Hugh Brooke
In Theaters:

Jun 1, 1953 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

Sep 1, 2009
Runtime:

85 minutes
Studio:

MGM Home Entertainment

Watch it now

Netflix

Cast

Lew Ayres
as Dr. Patrick Cory

Nancy Reagan
as Janice Cory

Gene Evans
as Dr. Frank Schratt

Steve Brodie
as Yocum

Lisa Howard
as Chloe Donovan

Tom Powers
as Advisor

Michael Colgan
as Tom Donovan

Kyle James
as Ranger Chief Tuttle

Stapleton Kent
as W.J. Higgins

Peter Adams
as Mr. Webster

Victor Sutherland
as Nathaniel Fuller

John Hamilton
as Mr. MacNish

Harlan Warde
as Mr. Booke

Paul Hoffman
as Mr. Smith

William Cottrell
as Dr. Crane

Tony Merrill
as Hotel Desk Clerk

Faith Langley
as Receptionist

Mark Lowell
as Supply Company Clerk

Shimen Ruskin
as Tailor

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Critic Reviews for Donovan's Brain

All Critics (11) | DVD (1)

A potentially risible idea is handled in satisfactory fashion.

Mar 26, 2016 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…

Matt Brunson
Creative Loafing
So-so adaptation of the Curt Siodmak novel

Aug 14, 2002 | Rating: 3/5

Ken Hanke
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

View All Critic Reviews (11)

Audience Reviews for Donovan's Brain

Dec 31, 2010

PAM'S QUICK TAKES - JUST A QUICKIE
DONOVAN'S BRAIN (1953) For a straightforward, American 1950's sci-fi/ horror flick, Donovan's Brain is tops. It's a solid adaptation of the novel by Curt Siodmak. A scientist keeps a dead man's brain alive and the dead man gains telekinetic powers enabling him to possess the scientist and live though him. The movie is crisply photographed, nicely shot and fun to watch. Unlike a lot of '50's sci-fi it is not silly and campy, except perhaps, from a retrospective point of view of '50's sci-fin in general. (Obviously, an enlarged, pulsing, naughty brain in a glorified fish tank summons a little mirth, but one must consider the context of sci-fi at the time.) The dialogue is pretty good and the story is well-paced. While a dark, updated treatment with modern special effects could certainly knock the original out of the water, this 1953 piece is still a viable, entertaining effort. Donvan's Brain is currently streaming on Flixster, and it's a good watch for any sci-fi fan.

Pamela D Super Reviewer
Sep 05, 2010

A pretty good movie which mixes elements of different horror/ sci-fi mad scientist movies. I liked it for the most part.

Aj V Super Reviewer