SYNOPSIS: "Monstrosity" is a 1963 American science fiction horror film directed by Joseph V. Mascelli. The film tells the story of the elderly and wealthy Mrs. March, who is obsessed with achieving eternal youth. To realize her goal, she enlists the help of Dr. Otto Frank, a scientist specializing in brain transplantation. Mrs. March's sinister plan involves transferring her brain into the body of a young, beautiful woman. She recruits three foreign women, Nina, Bea, and Anita, to serve as her potential hosts, under the pretense of offering them employment. As Dr. Frank conducts his experiments, it becomes evident that he has been testing his procedure on animals, creating horrifying results. Tensions rise as the women become aware of the true nature of Mrs. March's intentions. The situation culminates in a desperate struggle for survival, with Mrs. March ultimately falling victim to her own monstrous scheme. "Monstrosity" explores themes of vanity, greed, and the perils of playing God, set against a backdrop of 1960s science fiction and horror conventions.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: "Monstrosity," also known as "The Atomic Brain," is a chilling 1963 sci-fi horror film that delves into the macabre ambitions of Mrs. March, an elderly, wealthy woman obsessed with obtaining eternal youth and beauty. Consumed by her vanity, Mrs. March employs Dr. Otto Frank, a morally bankrupt scientist who specializes in brain transplantation. Dr. Frank has a history of grotesque experiments, having already conducted horrific procedures that resulted in monstrous animal hybrids.

To achieve her sinister goal, Mrs. March lures three unsuspecting young women—Nina Rhodes, Bea Mullins, and Anita Gonzales—to her secluded mansion under the pretense of offering them employment as domestic help. Each woman is chosen for her youth and physical attractiveness, qualities Mrs. March covets for herself. As the women settle into their new roles, they begin to sense something is terribly wrong. The atmosphere in the mansion is thick with foreboding, and they gradually uncover the horrifying truth behind Mrs. March's intentions.

Dr. Frank, under Mrs. March's orders, prepares the women for brain transplantation, intending to transfer Mrs. March's brain into the body of one of them. The women are subjected to various medical tests and procedures, all while being kept in the dark about their true purpose. The tension escalates as the women realize they are not merely employees but potential hosts for Mrs. March's brain.

The narrative reaches its climax when the women attempt to escape their grim fate. Anita, the first to be experimented on, undergoes a botched procedure, leading to her death. Bea and Nina, horrified by Anita's fate, plot their escape. In the ensuing chaos, Dr. Frank's unethical practices catch up with him, and he becomes a victim of his own grotesque experiments. Mrs. March, desperate and enraged, is ultimately betrayed by her own ambition and the very science she sought to manipulate. In a final twist of fate, Mrs. March's brain is transferred into the body of one of her grotesque animal hybrids, leaving her trapped in a monstrous form.

"Monstrosity" explores themes of vanity, greed, and the ethical boundaries of scientific experimentation. The film's dark narrative is punctuated by moments of sheer horror, as it portrays the consequences of unchecked ambition and the terrifying potential of scientific hubris. Set against the eerie backdrop of a 1960s sci-fi horror landscape, "Monstrosity" remains a stark reminder of the perils of playing god with human life.

PRODUCTION: "Monstrosity" was directed by Joseph V. Mascelli. The screenplay was written by Dean Dillman Jr., who also produced the film. Principal photography took place in 1963, primarily on location in Los Angeles, California, providing a suitable backdrop for the film's eerie atmosphere and horror themes. The cinematography was handled by Charles J. Davis, while the editing was done by John A. Bushelman. The music score, adding to the film's unsettling tone, was composed by Gene Kauer.

Mascelli’s production techniques reflected the independent filmmaking style of the time, utilizing practical effects and innovative low-budget solutions to convey the horror elements effectively. The film stars Marilyn Hanold as Nina Rhodes and Frank Gerstle as Dr. Otto Frank, whose performances contributed significantly to the narrative's exploration of vanity and the ethical dilemmas of scientific experimentation.

"Monstrosity" exemplifies the 1960s sci-fi and horror genre's tendency to address contemporary anxieties regarding technology and scientific overreach, marking it as a distinctive entry within this cinematic landscape.

RELEASE: "Monstrosity" was released in 1963, although specific premiere dates are less documented due to the nature of independent films during that era. The film was distributed by American International Pictures, which was known for releasing low-budget genre films that often found success in niche markets. Upon its release, "Monstrosity" received mixed reactions; while some critics dismissed it as another low-quality exploitation film, others appreciated its campy charm and the earnestness of its performances, particularly noting the quirky narrative and practical effects. The film, reflecting the era's fascination with science fiction and horror, managed to cultivate a cult following over the years, especially among fans of B-movies. Its unique blend of horror themes and ethical quandaries regarding scientific experimentation resonated with audiences, contributing to its status as a curious artifact of 1960s cinema. As time passed, "Monstrosity" became a staple in midnight movie screenings and home video collections, further solidifying its place in the genre's history.

CAST:

• Marjorie Eaton as Mrs. March

• Frank Gerstle as Dr. Frank

• Erika Peters as Anita

• Judy Bamber as Beatrice

• Lisa Lang as Nina Rhodes

• Xerxes as the Cat

CREW:

• Director: Joseph V. Mascelli

• Producer: Dean Dillman Jr.

• Screenwriter: Dean Dillman Jr.

• Cinematographer: Charles J. Davis

• Editor: John A. Bushelman

• Music: Gene Kauer

Production Company: Dean Dillman Jr. Productions
Distributor: Distributors Corporation of America (DCA)

Release Date: September 21, 1963
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 64 minutes
Budget: N/A
Box Office Return: N/A

IMDB Rating =  3.0 / 10

TRIVIA:

• "Monstrosity" is known for its alternative title, "The Atomic Brain," which was used in its subsequent re-releases.

• The film's plot, centered around brain transplants and the pursuit of eternal youth, reflects themes prevalent in 1960s science fiction horror.

• Despite its mixed critical reception, "Monstrosity" has gained a cult following among fans of vintage horror cinema, appreciating its campy charm and unique premise.

• The character Mrs. March, played by Marjorie Eaton, stands out as a memorable antagonist due to her cold and calculating portrayal of an elderly woman driven by vanity and obsession.

• The film was shot in 1958 and released in 1963. According to producer Jack Pollexfen, the production company went bankrupt about halfway through shooting, leaving no money to finish the film. Attempts to fix it in editing were unsuccessful.

• Producer Jack Pollexfen fired director Joseph V. Mascelli and finished directing the picture, uncredited.

• The film was shot in just 10 days.

• The uncredited narrator is Bradford Dillman, the younger brother of Dean Dillman Jr., one of the film's writers.

• Joseph V. Mascelli's only civilian directing credit was for this film; he is better known for his book "The Five C's of Cinematography," a classic text in the field.

• The nude corpse in the first scene is played by Margie Fisco, who was 19; this was her second and last role.

• Xerxes the cat was owned by actress Judy Bamber.

• "Monstrosity" is the final film for actresses Judy Bamber, Lisa Lang, and Erika Peters.

"Monstrosity" (1963) remains a cult classic in the science fiction genre, known for its campy charm and B-movie

appeal, exploring themes of mad science and the consequences of tampering with nature.