The Head (1959)

In the shadowy realm of medical intrigue, Irene Sanders, a hunchbacked woman, seeks the help of distinguished Dr. Abel and his research team, which includes her cousin, Dr. Walter Burke. Her quest for cure leads her to the heart of Abel's scientific sanctum, a laboratory that doubles as his home. Yet, their work is infiltrated by the enigmatic Dr. Ood, whose fascination with Abel's groundbreaking "Serum Z," a concoction that has kept a decapitated dog's head alive, borders on the sinister. As fate would have it, Dr. Abel is diagnosed with a heart condition, necessitating a transplant. A potential donor's untimely death triggers a ruthless power play, where the seemingly benign Dr. Ood commits a shocking murder and takes over Abel's operation. In his quest for control, he executes an unconventional brain surgery on Bert, a loyal assistant, and transforms Abel into a living, bodiless head using the experimental Serum Z. Simultaneously, the narrative intertwines with the life of Lilly, a striptease dancer with a dark past and a new face, courtesy of Dr. Ood. She lives a life of hedonism, dancing and drinking to forget her previous life as "Stella," a woman accused of poisoning her husband. When Dr. Ood crosses her path once again, he sees an opportunity to use Lilly's body as a transplant for Irene, whom he covets. Through a web of deceit and manipulation, Dr. Ood convinces Irene to undergo surgery. Upon awakening, Irene finds herself in a body that feels alien, exhibiting traits she never possessed and a shocking difference in her physical appearance. Realizing the terrifying truth of her body transplant, Irene confronts Dr. Ood, who attempts to exert his control over her. Amid the chaos, she finds an unlikely ally in Paul Lerner, a sculptor and regular patron of the bar where Lilly danced. Together, they challenge Dr. Ood's reign of terror, leading to a fiery climax where justice prevails. "The Head" is a chilling exploration of the lengths one man will go in his pursuit of power, control, and desire, all under the guise of scientific progress.

The Head is a horror movie featuring Horst Frank.

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