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Drama Cult Classic

Mind-reading experiments spiral out of control in this 1977 psychotronic thriller.

THE BRAIN MACHINE

It Has No Conscience, It Shows No Mercy.

1977 · 1h 25m · PG-1 · Drama / Horror / Science Fiction / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

Several people volunteer for a scientific experiment about mind-reading and memory, but the experiment goes horribly wrong.

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Quick Answer

What is The Brain Machine about?

The Brain Machine is a 1977 American drama, horror, science fiction, and thriller film directed by Joy N. Houck Jr. about several people who volunteer for a scientific experiment involving mind-reading and memory, only for the experiment to go horribly wrong.

Programmer's Pick

Where else can you find a corrupt reverend, government conspiracy, and brain control on the same operating table? The Brain Machine is independent cinema with a psychotronic pulse and a clinical case of walls-closing-in syndrome.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

The Brain Machine drops a group of volunteers into the center of a cutting-edge scientific experiment probing the boundaries of mind-reading and memory manipulation. What begins as a controlled study quickly unravels, exposing the participants to unforeseen dangers lurking beneath the surface. With cerebral intrigue and a mounting sense of dread, this independent psychotronic film weaves together elements of drama, horror, and science fiction, all under the shadow of a possible government conspiracy. As the walls metaphorically—and perhaps literally—close in, the experiment's true costs become chillingly apparent. Viewers should expect a blend of unsettling psychological tension and genre-bending suspense.

Details & Specs

Director
Joy N. Houck Jr.
Writers
Thomas Hal Phillips, Christian Garrison, Joy N. Houck Jr.
Release
1977
Runtime
1h 25m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Drama, Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
Also Known As
Mind Warp, The E-Box, The Mind Machine, Der Manipulator, Gray Matter

Cast & Crew

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Director: Joy N. Houck Jr. Writers: Thomas Hal Phillips +2 more
James Best James Best Rev. Emory Neill BB Barbara Burgess Dr. Carol Portland Gil Peterson Gil Peterson Dr. Elton Morris Gerald McRaney Gerald McRaney Willie West MJ Marcus J. Grapes Judd Reeves Doug Collins Doug Collins Dr. Roland Roth AL Ann Latham Minnie Lee Parks TH Thomas Hal Phillips The General CG Christian Garrison Garrison Stocker Fontelieu Stocker Fontelieu Saxon TD Tom Dever Bodyguard Stuart Lancaster Stuart Lancaster Senator ZH Zephirin Hymel IV Dr. Krisner SS Sam Sherrill A Guard

Explore More

Why Cult

Mind-Reading Mayhem

The film centers on a scientific experiment that explores mind-reading and memory, taking the concept to unsettling places.

Government Conspiracy

Underneath the science lurks a web of government intrigue, giving the story an extra layer of paranoia and suspense.

Psychotronic Indie Vibes

As an independent film with a 'psychotronic' tag, expect unconventional style and offbeat genre blending.

Corrupt Reverend

James Best plays a less-than-holy reverend, adding an unexpected twist to the ensemble of experiment volunteers.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Volunteers join a mind-reading experiment

Threat

Scientific experiment gone wrong

Effect

Psychological and possibly physical danger to participants

Setting

Research facility or experimental environment

Questions from the Vault

When was The Brain Machine released? +

The Brain Machine was released in 1977.

Who directed The Brain Machine? +

The Brain Machine was directed by Joy N. Houck Jr.

How long is The Brain Machine? +

The Brain Machine has a runtime of 85 minutes.

What genre is The Brain Machine? +

The Brain Machine is a drama, horror, science fiction, and thriller film.

Where can I watch The Brain Machine? +

You can watch The Brain Machine on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

The Brain Machine trailer
Official Trailer
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