The Mind Benders – 1962 | 109 mins | Drama | B&W

Plot Synopsis

UIntelligent Cold War psychological thriller about ascientist who submits himself to an experiment in sensory deprivation withterrifying consequences. Adapted by James Kennaway from his own novel, thesombre screenplay unevenly mixes elements of science-fiction and family drama intoan absorbing opening half-hour, but during the latter stages the suspense slackensand the plot becomes contrived as it focuses on Bogarde’s disintegratingmarriage. Dirk Bogarde reunites with director Basil Dearden following their successwith the provocative Victim (1961), and Bogarde is particularity excellent ashis tortured character undergoes a Jekyll and Hyde transformation. JohnClements makes a rare latter day appearance as the suitably resolute and unyieldingOld School military man determined to find answers.

Distinguished physiologist and Oxford don, Professor Sharpey (Harold Goldblatt),one day inexplicably commits suicide by jumping from a moving train. Sharpeywas already under the surveillance of military security officer Major Hall(John Clements), and when £1,000 is found in his briefcase, Hall goes to OxfordUniversity to make the case for a charge of treason against the dead professor.Sharpey had been experimenting with Isolation, the study of what happens to aman when all sensations – touch, taste, sight, smell and hearing are removed,with Dr. Tate (Michael Bryant) and Dr. Henry Longman (Dirk Bogarde).Intriguingly, Longman has been absent from the university for six weeks.

Longhorn declares that Sharpey was a patriot and pacifist,and believes his death was due to brainwashing whilst undergoing the isolationexperiments. To clear the name of his colleague, Longman voluntarily agrees torepeat the experiments in the isolation tank and submit himself to the ultimatein mental stress. During eight hours submerged under water Longman goes throughfour stages of nervous collapse until he is eventually retrieved by Tate andHall. To prove his point Hall suggests they try brainwashingthe semi-conscious Longman by breaking one of his strongest beliefs; the lovefor his wife Oonagh (Mary Ure). When Oonagh subsequently announces to Longmanthat she is pregnant, his reaction is at best indifferent. This is thebeginning of his gradual disintegration as Longman’s behaviour changesmarkedly; being uncouth towards his wife, degrading her and cavorting with collegetart Annabella (Wendy Craig). Hall arrives six months later and observesfirst-hand the exceptional change in Longman’s behaviour – and attempts to demonstratehow he has been indoctrinated.