The Mind Benders (1963)

A government scientist (Harold Goldblatt) commits suicide by jumping off a speeding train. Evidence points to him as supplying secrets to Communists. But his colleague (Dirk Bogarde) suspects his death is tied in to experiments in sensory deprivation. To prove his point, he agrees to undergo the same experiment as the deceased scientist. What follows is a sadistic and manipulative result. Directed by Basil Dearden (VICTIM), this is a disturbing and unsettling combination of sci-fi and thriller. The film bears a striking resemblance to Ken Russell's 1980 film ALTERED STATES which is far superior in its handling of the subject matter. This one is very good but enough flaws in it that spoil one's enjoyment of it. Mainly the character of Bogarde's wife played by Mary Ure who comes across as a dishrag unable to function without her husband's approval. But the premise is intriguing if its execution is slightly pedestrian. The underscore is by Georges Auric. With John Clements, Michael Bryant, Wendy Craig, Geoffrey Keen and Edward Fox.