The Mind of Mr Soames – 1970 | 92 mins | Sci-Fi, Drama | Colour

Plot Synopsis

Adapted from the 1961 bestseller by Charles Eric Maine, The Mind of Mr. Soames is an engaging and sensitively-handled science fiction feature from purveyors of high-brow horror Amicus. The film explores the differing approaches oft breakthrough sciences on human behaviour and contrasts the scientific method with that of the humanitarian. Whilst Nigel Davenport and Robert Vaughn provide able support, it’s Terence Stamp that steals the show with an engaging and sympathetic portrayal of an exploited patient struggling with the emotional strains of the unknown.

John Soames (Terence Stamp) is a patient at the Midlands Neurological Hospital who has been in a coma for 30 years. Dr. Bergen (Robert Vaughn), a recently arrived American neurosurgeon, revives Soames from his slumber during a lengthy televised operation. When Soames eventually awakens he has the body of a man with the mental

capacity of a child, but Dr. Maitland (Nigel Davenport) is certain that he can accelerate the maturation process with unrelenting education sessions. All the while Soames’ progress is captured by a film crew intending to his treatment.

Soames breaks down under the pressure and takes to his bed, refusing to eat, drink or talk. Humanist Dr. Bergen introduces Soames to toys and adds an element of fun to his rehabilitation but this approach brings him into direct conflict with hard taskmaster Dr. Maitland who deems such antics as frivolous. Soames once again tires of his captivity and the relentless boredom of controlled life in a locked hospital room and breaks free – running across country to a nearby town where the childlike patient encounters various situations he cannot comprehend. After jumping from a train Soames seeks refuge from the hostile outside world in a country barn, but the pressure on his emotional stability is such that he reacts violently when giving himself up during a live TV broadcast.