Movielogr
Santo vs. Evil Brain (1961)
Directed by Joselito Rodríguez
Twitter Facebook Google+Action | Adventure | Science Fiction
Most recently watched by sleestakk
Overview
In his first film El Santo was still referred to as ‘El Enmascarado’. Rendered compliant by a scientist and his gangsters via a serum and mysterious rays, he is forced for the opening act to be a henchman for the evil forces who want to take over the world. The film has great historic value, due also to its impressive exterior shots of pre-revolutionary Cuba 1959.
Length 72 minutes
Actors
Joaquín Cordero | Norma Suárez | Santo | Fernando Osés | Alberto S. Insúa | Enrique Zambrano | Juanito Tremble | Enrique Almirante | René Socarrás
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/17/2023 | Home Theater | Blu-ray | Owned | 6.5 stars |
| (Average) 6.5 stars |
Viewing Notes
This starts out with great promise (and no dialogue) as El Enmascarado (he’s never referred to as Santo, or even a wrestler in this, his debut film) is attacked and kidnapped by a group of dapper thugs in an alley. The cinematography and locations are the standouts here as the whole thing was shot in and around Havana, Cuba just before the success of the revolution.
Unfortunately for the first half of the movie Santo is a brainwashed henchman for the villain. He moves around sluggishly and has no dialogue, and there are no wrestling match scenes. Another masked wrestler, El Incognito, does make an appearance (loved the lurking rooftop scene with the cat on the alarm wire!) and there are a couple of fun fight scenes, one between Santo and El Incognito, and the final battle in the warehouse.
The restoration is top notch though and again, the cinematography and locations are great. The most interesting part is the history of how the film was made during the final stages of the revolution in Cuba, in parallel with SANTO VS. THE INFERNAL MEN. Indicator’s box set includes both movies, an extensive booklet and a great double-sided poster featuring reproductions of vintage one sheets for both films.
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