IMDb >
The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962)
Watch It
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Free on IMDb

BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962) More at IMDbPro »
| Videos (see all 2 NEW) |
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
10 August 1962 (USA) moreTagline:
Alive... without a body... fed by an unspeakable horror from hell! morePlot:
A doctor experimenting with transplant techniques keeps his girlfriend's head alive when she is decapitated in a car crash, then goes hunting for a new body. full summary | full synopsisUser Comments:
Works for sheer audacity, shameless conviction of its aims. more (124 total)Cast
(Complete credited cast)| Jason Evers | ... | Dr. Bill Cortner (as Herb Evers) | |
| Virginia Leith | ... | Jan Compton / Jan in the Pan | |
| Leslie Daniels | ... | Kurt | |
| Adele Lamont | ... | Doris Powell | |
| Bonnie Sharie | ... | Blonde Stripper | |
| Paula Maurice | ... | Brunet Stripper | |
| Marilyn Hanold | ... | Peggy Howard (as Marlyn Hanold) | |
| Bruce Brighton | ... | Dr. Cortner | |
| Arny Freeman | ... | Photographer | |
| Fred Martin | ... | Medical Assistant | |
| Lola Mason | ... | Donna Williams | |
| Doris Brent | ... | Nurse | |
| Bruce Kerr | ... | Beauty Contest M.C. | |
| Audrey Devereal | ... | Jeannie Reynolds | |
| Eddie Carmel | ... | Monster |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
82 min (uncut version) | USA:70 min (TCM print)Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1 moreSound Mix:
MonoFilming Locations:
Tarrytown, New York, USAFun Stuff
Trivia:
This film has never been officially released in the UK. It was rejected by the BBFC in 1961 and has never been submitted for a re-rating. moreGoofs:
Continuity: When Dr. Cortner goes to see Doris, she is finishing up a photo shoot. He sits down on the right side of the sofa. A customer comes up to her to ask about a private photo shoot. The camera is centered on them but you can see Dr. Cortner in the background. In three shots the Dr. switches from the right side of the sofa to the left and then back again to the right. moreQuotes:
Blonde Stripper: [hands on hips] You lousy tramp! Once in a blue moon I liken to a guy with class and *you* mess it up!Brunet Stripper: Eh! What makes you think you had him? He wouldn't have you on a bet!
Blonde Stripper: [hands still on hips] Says who?
Brunet Stripper: Says me! What's a guy like that want with *leftovers* for?
Blonde Stripper: *Leftovers*?
[blonde stripper goes to slap the brunette stripper and a man's hand appears on screen slapping the brunette stripper]
Brunet Stripper: [puts hand to face in shock] Why you cheap third grade stripper!
[catfight ensues between the two strippers]
Brunet Stripper: Ow! Let go!
Blonde Stripper: Don't you ever call me that again! Oooh!
[...]
more
Soundtrack:
The Web moreFAQ
Is this available on DVD?Can I watch this film online?
more
more (124 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Re-Animator | Bride of Re-Animator | Slaughter High | Slither | The Incredible Melting Man |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| IMDb Horror section | IMDb USA section | Add this title to MyMovies |



For what this is (a rather over-heated horror sci-fi stew), it works for its sheer audacity and shameless full-bore conviction of its aims. Mad scientist movies end up resorting to long shots of people in white lab coats talking in sterile sets. But this one has a woman's head in the tray, fighting with the doctor, yelling at the monster in the closet, and engaging the assistant in metaphysical questions usually not heard in such low-budget potboilers.
Nice dynamic that it's his fiancé that he wants to save...but she has become so bitter since becoming a disembodied head in a tray of water. I remember watching this for the first time on TV in the early 70s and being amazed they used to make movies like this.
Better than average camera work, also, trying to get a sense of vertigo and movement throughout. This film with its hell-bent-for-leather pace is a fever-dream that works because it doesn't let go, or tip you to the fact that the makers thought it was ridiculous as it certainly is.
Be sure to get the restored version with the monster in the closet finally grabbing the doctor's arm and making a bloody mess at the end. A great cathartic bloody end to this near Shakespearean morality play about how man should not meddle in god's business.