Wonder Woman (TV Series) Gault's Brain (1978) User Reviews

As long as John Carradine has a voice and a brain

[kevinolzak · 6/10 · 9 November 2013]

"Gault's Brain" utilized a common comic book plot, that of a disembodied brain in search of a body, guest starring the legendary John Carradine in the feature role of industrial heavyweight Harlow Gault, head of Gault Industries, seen only in the opening sequence depicting his funeral, a mysterious scar across the forehead. His replacement, Stryker (Floyd Levine), seems to be responsible for the recent series of accidents plaguing the company, which have been orchestrated by Gault himself, having gained great psychic and telekinetic powers since his brain is now free from its confines within a human cranium. Meanwhile, Gault's beautiful secretary (Cathie Shirriff) hungrily eyes a young, physically fit Olympic hopeful (David Mason Daniels), whose brain would never be missed, to be the unwitting donor to supply her employer's new body (he'll be a new man in no time). As another viewer accurately pointed out, it's difficult to steal any scenes from the enchanting, perfectly cast Lynda Carter, but Carradine was clearly the finest choice, his always well modulated voice making up for some of those latter day roles that left him mute ("Silent Night, Bloody Night" and "The Sentinel"). Of course, producers would continue to capitalize on the actor's horror fame, but as he exclaimed on a 1980 Merv Griffin (or Mike Douglas), "as long as I have a voice and a brain, I will never retire."

Really mad scientist time!

[Joxerlives · 7/10 · 15 February 2012]

Interesting concept. Quite chilling the scene where the surgeon goes to cut open the athletes skull in order to implant Gault's brain in it. Also the axe nearly hitting Diana is potentially quite gruesome and the scene where they dump her in the lake sealed in a barrel is the stuff of claustrophobic nightmares (and Penelope Pitstop). Great performance from sci-fi legend Paul Richman ("It's a cook book!") as Dr Crippen (the same name as the infamous Dr who murdered his wife in Victorian society and was later caught alongside his mistress via the first use of a telegram in a criminal investigation). When confronted with WW why doesn't Gault's brain just use his power of telekinesis to strip her, do villains in the 70s not realise that her power rests in her belt and bracelets? Perhaps something like the infamous Wilma and midgets scene in Buck Rogers? Once again we have villains who escape, it would be great to see them again. 7/10

WONDER WOMAN MEETS DR. FRANKESTAIN

[asalerno10 · 9/10 · 21 May 2022]

An excellent episode with terrifying touches. Billionaire Harlow Gault has died, but he has managed to get a scientist to extract his brain and keep it alive in a fish tank with formaldehyde, waiting to find a young and athletic body and use it to perform the transplant. Gault's brain can move objects and speak through a special device. It is a pity that as always happened in this series when a villain manages to escape and promises to return, he never does. A continuation would have been interesting since the concept of a modern Dr. Frankenstein is a brilliant idea.

Mediocre, boring episode with thrilling ending

[armansyal · 5/10 · 2 November 2022]

This episode is about the living brain of a dead billionaire seeking to have itself a new body to continue managing his legacy. It was directed by Gordon Hessler and a story written by John Gaynor. It stars Floyd Levine, Cathie Shirriff and Peter Mark Richman. The concept of body swapping has always been interesting; the most successful attempt at such a story is most likely 'Get Out' from 2017. However, this is a cheesy 70s show, so expect nothing amazing with this story decision. There is very little usage of the theme, not only until 3/4 of the story is it actually put into some good use. The characters aren't really that interesting at all. We finally see Lyle Waggoner in a more prominent role as Steve Trevor Jr., he has a chase scene which was cool. The episode closes off with a very thrilling and intense ending, some good action scenes with Wonder Woman fighting a telekinetic brain. But then there is no final conclusion to what actually happens to the brain after his accomplices are jailed. Did they pull the plug or was a brain in a fish tank actually put in prison?! Quite a lazily unsatisfying touch to an otherwise enjoyable ending.