The Atomic Brain (1963): Mad science and an old woman’s quest for youth!

Mad scientist movies are often fun, and Joseph V. Mascelli’s Atomic Brain (AKA Monstrosity) is no huge exception (especially if you’re viewing it with special commentary by Mystery Science Theater 3000). It’s also apparently the only film directed by Mascelli, or at least the only one he attached his name to as a director. Known more as a cinematographer, Mascelli’s body of work in that field includes gems like The Thrill Killers and The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies!!? His career may have been short, but he made a mark (or at least a light scratch).

So, what kind of mad scientist are we dealing with in Atomic Brain? Why, a mad brain transplant scientist, of course! Then again, this time it’s not only a scientist who’s mad but an old, rich woman named Hettie March (Marjorie Eaton). Wanting a fresh start in a younger body, she’s enlisted the help of Dr. Otto Frank (Frank Gerstle) to conduct an actual transplant operation, hopefully without difficulty. So, of course, Mrs. March devises a plan to select prime candidates for a new body (sort of like another “doctor who plays God” movie called The Brain That Wouldn’t Die).

“Atomic Brain” and more science gone mad!

There are many mad science things about this movie, such as a mostly mindless, lumbering brute named Hans (uncredited), who apparently has a dog brain. However, the body transplant experiment is the main form of madness here, and Hettie March’s plan to find an ideal body is simply (perhaps stupidly) to hire new housekeepers. These include Nina Rhodes (Erika Peters) from Austria, Bea Mullins (Judy Bamber, who does the worst fake-British accent ever), and Anita Gonzales (Lisa Lang) from Mexico.

For better or worse, schemes to transplant brains and bodies rarely go as planned. Neither Mrs. March nor Dr. Frank is pleasantly surprised to find their wishes fulfilled. Unfortunately, this lack of success is magnified in light of another consideration: Dr. Frank’s amazing knowledge and skills could have been used to offer new hope to all who suffer from either fatal diseases or disabilities. Instead, they are misapplied for the mere sake of some old woman’s quest for revitalized youth and vanity! When everything quickly turns sour for Dr. Frank, it’s all because of her.

Atomic Brain isn’t that bad, really

This is somewhat of a monster movie because of Hans, but also “The Walking Corpse” (Margie Fisco), who is basically like a brain-dead zombie character, albeit not particularly frightening. However, Mrs. March provides more of the need to escape from the laboratory. And, again, it’s all so she doesn’t end up an old woman in a nursing home, or a foul-smelling (walking?) corpse. If you’re a fan of sci-fi overall, perhaps the mere presence of a lab will be enough for you.

Personally, I like the idea of a strange woman who has hidden away in her mansion a lab for devious purposes. Just as The Brain That Wouldn’t Die gives us a head with an evil personality, Atomic Brain has a few things to offer. Oh, and some black cat named Xerxes is among the principal cast as well. Xerxes ends up playing a significant role and is probably one of the better actors that Atomic Brain has to offer. Finally, if you want to learn about another cheesy movie riffed by Mystery Science Theater 3000, check out this link, and yes, you can watch the MST3K version at Shout! Factory TV. 

(WARNING: This trailer is probably better than the movie itself.)

What are your thoughts on Atomic Brain? Let us know in the comments!