The Atomic Brain (1964)

One of the staples of horror movies from the 1950's and 1960's was the use of atomic power.  Whether it's the accidental creation of mutated animals through atomic tests, or the use of it in experiments by mad scientists, you will find a plethora of such movies during that time.  "The Atomic Brain" is one of them.

The rich and elderly Mrs. March has hired Dr. Frank to perform an experimental medical procedure that that would extend her lifespan... by implanting her brain in the body of one of three beautiful women, she's hired as domestic servants...

"The Atomic Brain" had some real potential for genuine eerie and creepy moments- but failed to meet that potential.  The concept was interesting, if not wholly original.  The story moves at an unfortunately plodding pace, and lacks any real suspense or tension.

The characters were rather flat, and seemed to rely mostly on the beauty of the female leads.  Mrs. March was suitably malevolent, but only marginally more interesting than the other characters.  Even Dr. Frank was bland and lifeless.

The acting wasn't much better, either.  Of the cast, only Marjorie Eaton displayed any real ability- but once again, only slightly more than the rest of the cast.  Essentially, the acting was very stereotypical of the era.  It offered very little in depth to the characters or a sense of any real tension to the story.

I can't say much about the camera, while there are a couple of interesting shots- mostly involving the naked women strapped to the table in the atomic chamber, it is pretty standard fare for a low budget horror movie like this.  Nothing to make you go, "Cool."

The best part of this movie is the fact that the cat, Xerxes is the best actor.  Which is saying something.  I'm going to have to put "The Atomic Brain" into The Ugly.