Wednesday, April 11, 2018

A Quick Look: THE COLOSSUS OF NEW YORK (1958)


   Producer William Alland more or less created the Universal science fiction thrillers of the 50's (aided greatly by director Jack Arnold). Alland found himself at Paramount in the late 50's, and similarly cranked out a string of successful genre pictures for that studio. Among these was THE COLOSSUS OF NEW YORK, considered a certified classic. In the film, a promising young scientist is struck down in motor vehicle accident. His father, a brilliant surgeon, thinks the world will suffer for this loss and keeps his son's brain alive in his laboratory. The brain is then transferred into a mechanical body, but the loss of his human body soon manifests a loss of his humanity as well. The film is a real showcase for actor Ross Martin, despite his limited screentime, amid a strong cast which includes Mala Powers. Although this one features a big robot, it's actually of the living brain genre. The haunting piano score and limited locations give this one a feel more akin to the 40's thrillers.

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