The Brain Machine

After a science-fiction type opening, the film develops into a neat and engrossing little thriller, with lively playing by the leads. The central performance of the much underrated Maxwell Reed is especially noteworthy, and the film is all the more impressive for his presence. In fact, was there anyone better in this type of role, in British cinema, during that particular time? It is also interesting, for its time, in that there is a distinct undercurrent of attraction for Reed's character, Frank Smith, by Dr Roberts (Elizabeth Allan) which is clearly magnified during the closing scene of the film when her estranged husband Dr Allen (Patrick Barr) is also present. All-in-all an enjoyable little thriller which, although rarely screened, is well worth catching.

The most bizarre aspect of this competent minor British kidnap thriller is its completely inappropriate packaging as science fiction. The 'Brain Machine' of the title refers to an electroencephalograph which is used by psychologists to identify brainwave patterns characteristic of psychotics. That is indeed a futuristic concept, but the eponymous machine actually only features in the first ten minutes or so. The title sequence is very techy, and the theme tune is the same as the TV serial version of 'Quatermass and the Pit'. Indeed, the opening scene, where the brain machine is introduced to us, is highly reminiscent of scenes in Quatermass, 'X the Unknown' and similar pictures. But after that, the whole thing settles down into thriller mode, with a traditional nick o' time climax. Enjoyable, but misleading.

Moody Maxwell Reed plays a man with a brain sickness that could turn him into a murderer. Elizabeth Allan plays a doctor who regresses him to remember the source of his mental hurt. She is kidnapped by him and taken to his railway arch den. She discovers a stash of cortozone there. Her doctor husband goes in search of his endangered wife. There is plenty of action and suspense. I reckon the best scene is when Reed closes in on his intended prey towards the end. We see that the husband still loves his wife even though their divorce is imminent. There are hints that she may have fallen for her latest patient. This is definitely for fans of 1950s British crime thrillers as there is very little Sci-Fi interest as the title might suggest. I think this has an improved Maxell Reed who was apparently styling himself on Stewart Granger at the time.

It sounds like a sci-fi movie, but is actually a crime thriller that is clearly inspired by American movies of the era. An unusually effective Maxwell Reed is the violent criminal with a brain tumour who kidnaps icy doctor Elizabeth Allan while trying to flee the country. There's a lot going on in its brief running time, but it never quite comes together, and Allan is badly miscast.

To watch this film you have to remember it's set in the '50's and the idea at the start of the picture was revolutionary. Using an ECG a couple of doctors are able to diagnose a person's mental health. On one occasion they bring in a deranged killer to get a reading. Then later, they have an accident victim who they scan for brain damage. upon checking his scan they see he has some alarming similarities with the killer. Before they can question him he leaves the hospital. The story then starts to take a weaving path to its conclusion.

It's this path that makes the movie watchable as you wonder what's happening and what will happen next. It's the pace of the movie and the acting which hinder the movie somewhat. The bad guy, Frank Smith (Maxwell Reed) just doesn't have the aura of a psychopathic madman - he sure does know how to shout though. It would have been a lot better had he run a gamut of emotions to show his mental breakdown.

I also liked the fact that the female Doctor Philippa Roberts (Elizabeth Allan) is a strong woman that knows and says her mind. Unfortunately, she loses this confidence when she is kidnapped by Smith. Again, this would have been great had she retained this and not regressed into screaming woman. But this was made in the '50's so has their ideals.

I reckon this story would still make a good movie today, even a great one if the issues are addressed as I can still see the issues used in the story being relevant today.

If you like your old black and white mysteries, then you may like this. But be aware, this is not the best of it's kind. Definitely, one to watch when sick in bed... though remember to keep the remote handy for when things get shouty.