Donovan's Brain (1953)

The best filmization of the Curtis Siodmak book, Donovan's Brain is a ripping good time, especially for science fiction/horror fans. It's pure melodrama, of course, but it never attempts to disguise that fact, and in fact revels in its admittedly preposterous premise. Bizarre premises are, of course, a staple of films of this genre, so it's vitally important that a director know exactly how to handle this situation. If he takes it too seriously, he runs the risk of exposing just how silly it is; if he treats it too lightly, the viewer loses interest because there's not enough invested in it. Felix E. Feist, who also co-wrote the screenplay, directs with just the right touch, and certainly knows how to ramp up the suspense and create atmosphere along the way. He's aided enormously by his lead, Lew Ayres, whose performance hits all the right notes at exactly the level necessary. He anchors the film with a very fine performance that takes advantage of the "Jekyll and Hyde" nature of the story without going too far over the top. The supporting cast, including Nancy Davis and Gene Evans, is not quite up to his level, but their work is solid nonetheless. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide