There's always someone out there who feels he can do whatever he wants. A scientist finds a man, hanging on to life by a thread, from plane crash. He is unable to save his body, but decides he has the ability to keep the brain alive. It turns out that the brain is that of a man name Donovan who was a ruthless, cutthroat businessman, with no moral or ethical sense. Somehow, the brain begins to inflict its will on the scientist. It isn't long before the brain is ordering the man around and he isn't having him do acts of kindness. This movie is pretty bad, but it has a history, and people seem to enjoy it. My father, who probably saw about three movies in his life, knew this one. If you just want to have some fun and don't want to ask too many questions, this may be your cup of tea. Perhaps they should have sent the thing into politics. They could use some brains in congress.

A doctor tries to keep a brain alive after the body dies, but the brain is too powerful and soon commands the doctor around. With the deceased man's mob connections, life is soon troublesome for the brilliant doc.Starring Nancy Davis (the future Nancy Reagan) and written by Curt Siodmak, who had written many sci-fi and horror films (most notably "The Wolf Man")... this came from his original novel of the same name.Although not the original film version of this story (that would be "The Lady and the Monster" in 1944) it went on to influence a great many other films and television shows, from "Star Trek" to Stephen King's "It". (The "Star Trek" influence is on the episode "Spock's Brain", though it should be noted that a character in this film does say, "I'm a doctor, not an electrician." Bones?)

Yet another story inspired by a Curt Siodmak science fiction novel. This adapted by Hugh Brooks has an earnest Dr. Pat Cory(Lew Ayres)maintaining the living brain of a dead millionaire. The more research discovered by Cory and his wife(Nancy Davis)and assistant Dr. Schratt(Gene Evans), Dr. Cory begins to be controlled by the power of the ruthless millionaire's brain. Cory subconsciously takes on the mannerisms and thought processes of the brain's owner. A freelance reporter(Steve Brodie)tries to blackmail Dr. Cory by revealing his dangerous experiment to the public. Veteran actor Ayres goes about the role as if routine. Miss Davis, the future First Lady, seems talentless.

Scientists Dr. Patrick Cory(Lew Ayres)and partner alcoholic Dr. Frank Schratt(Gene Evans)have successfully removed a living brain and have kept it from dying within a tank using an oscilloscope to measure the current and gain response to any reactions that might occur. Schratt tries to talk sense into Cory, because his actions(which are for the greater good and benefit of mankind)are illegal and could very well lead to his losing his medical license. But, losing his medical license will be the least of Cory's problems because the brain of a wealthy millionaire named Donovan gains control of the good doctor, growing stronger and healthier through a form of hypnotic suggestion(..Cory does admit to allowing Donovan control, not truly knowing the consequences of such a decision). The longer Donovan has control, the weaker Cory's hold is on his own body. Donovan begins plans to build a vault for his brain, using Cory to make shady, corrupt business dealings with past associates. It's known that Donovan failed to pay taxes and was a pariah to his family and those around him. His firm, aggressive, "don't take no for an answer" attitude begins to show itself(as does physical traits such as a limp and this ugly, cold visage)through the once tender, warm, loving Cory and soon his wife, Janice(Nancy Davis)and Frank begin to worry about him. The longer the brain has control of Cory the stronger and healthier it gets, with the powerful influence to force anyone in it's proximity to do whatever Donovan wills. Such as a crooked reporter whose camera takes a snapshot of Donovan's brain..his blackmailing scheme threatens Donovan's plans. We see as the movie continues that the brain's powerful influence becomes too great to overcome even as Frank tries to shoot it with a pistol. Meanwhile, Donovan uses Cory's body to write checks, and with that money laying the groundwork for a vault to house his brain while also purchasing fancy suits, $2 cigars, and underhanded business associates he once worked with. As Donovan speaks through Cory to a former associate, "Mr. Donovan intends to dominate the international financial scene, and a fatal accident will occur to all who happen to stand in his way." The blackmailing reporter finds out the hard way what that statement entails..will Frank and Janice, suffer the tragic consequences of knowing too much as Donovan plans to finish them off?This seems to have a rather lackluster rating on the IMDb, but I think it's quite brilliant in it's rich, intelligent script..I'm guessing many find the flick dated and premise rather corny. I think the idea regarding a pulsating, living brain could command another(..and others)to not only do it's bidding, but order those in close contact to even harm themselves quite a terrifying concept. The brain itself may also cause the film to receive criticism because it's basically rubber with a light glowing inside, submersed in a water tank. I loved Ayres performance as the victim of his science, even if it was for the welfare and benefits of helping others in the future. He actually shows the change from Cory to the notorious Donovan on his face. I certainly thought the dialogue was rich. I think this is a great B-movie, worth a look by less skeptical sci-fi fans who can see through the budgetary restrictions. Only the ending, with the help of an appropriate lightning strike that assists in helping our protagonists against the evil brain, "hurts" this film.