Donovan's Brain

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50%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 12

35%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 124

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Movie Info

Valiant scientist Dr. Cory (Lew Ayres) knows he must resort to unorthodox methods in order to save ailing tycoon Tom Donovan, so the surgeon removes the wealthy man's brain and manages to keep it functioning with electrical stimulation. Unfortunately, it isn't long before Donovan's brain somehow possesses the kindhearted Dr. Cory, who then begins to behave like the heartless Donovan. Cory's wife, Janice (Nancy Davis), and friend Dr. Schratt (Gene Evans) try to intervene, with horrific results.
  • Genre:
    sci fi
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Felix E. Feist
  • Producer:
    Tom Gries
  • Writer:
    Felix E. Feist
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Dowling Productions

Cast & Crew

Lew Ayres
Dr. Patrick J. Cory
Gene Evans
Dr. Frank Schratt
Nancy Reagan
Janice Cory
Steve Brodie
Herbie Yocum
Lisa Howard
Chloe Donovan
James Anderson
Chief Tuttle
Victor Sutherland
Nathaniel Fuller
Michael Colgan
Tom Donovan
Peter Adams
Mr. Webster
Harlan Warde
Treasury Agent Brooke
Felix E. Feist
Director
Felix E. Feist
Screenwriter
Allan Dowling
Executive Producer
Tom Gries
Producer
Eddie Dunstedter
Original Music
Joseph F. Biroc
Cinematographer
Herbert L. Strock
Film Editor
Boris Leven
Production Design
Edward G. Boyle
Set Decoration
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Critic Reviews for Donovan's Brain

All Critics (12) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (6)

View All Critic Reviews (12)

Audience Reviews for Donovan's Brain

  • Dec 31, 2010
    PAM'S QUICK TAKES - <B>JUST A QUICKIE</B> <div style="width:300px;"><a href="http://www.flixster.com/photos/donovans-brain-13916258"><img src="http://content8.flixster.com/photo/13/91/62/13916258_ori.jpg" border="0"/></a><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10px;"><a href="http://www.flixster.com"></a></div></div> <I>DONOVAN'S BRAIN</I> (1953) For a straightforward, American 1950's sci-fi/ horror flick, <I>Donovan's Brain</I> 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. <I>Donvan's Brain</I> 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
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