Unhinged genetic scientist Dr Nolter (Donald Pleasence) is obsessed with crossing vegetables with humans – “We are interested in cloning, not clowning”, he merrily quips in his morning mutation lecture at the university where he is a professor.
Nolter uses circus freak show owner, Mr Lynch (the new Doctor Who, Tom Baker), to kidnap nubile young women or husky young men from his own class to turn them into plant humans.
One kidnapped student becomes a walking Venus flytrap under Nolter’s knife. Another follows suit but escapes and confronts a third student whose mind is unhinged by the meeting.
A fourth student, Heidi (Julie Ege) falls victim to the scientist, but as she is on the operating table, the escaped mutant bursts in and attacks Nolter.
The failed experimental mutations are given to Lynch for use in his freak show.
The film papers over its gaping plot holes with the obligatory early 70s female nudity, a cool-looking monster and a guy who can make his eyes pop out of his head
Shot over six weeks, The Mutations was partially filmed on location at the Battersea Fun Fair in South London. The park closed in 1974, primarily as the result of the death of five children in May 1972 after an accident with the wooden Big Dipper.
Actor Michael Dunn died in London during the film’s production but had completed all of his scenes before he died. He was just 38 years old.
The film was a critical disaster and a box-office flop. More than a year after its completion, it was shown in the lower half of a double bill in the UK. It was Jack Cardiff’s final directorial performance.
Released in some markets as The Freakmaker.
Dr Nolter
Donald Pleasence Lynch
Tom Baker Brian
Brad Harris Hedi
Julie Ege Burns
Michael Dunn Tony
Scott Antony Lauren
Jill Haworth Bridget
Olga Anthony Prostitute
Lisa Collings Landlady
Joan Scott Tramp
Toby Lenon Doctor
Richard Davies Policeman
John Wireford Nurse
Eithne Dunne Dwarf Tony
Tony Mayne Dwarf Molly
Molly Tweedlie Midget Kathy
Kathy Kitchen Fat Lady
Fran Fullenwider Skinny Lady
Lesley Roose Bearded Lady
Fay Bura Fire Eater
Bob Bura Human Pincushion
Orla Pederson Monkey Woman
Madge Garnett Popeye
Willie Ingram Alligator Girl
Esther Blackmon Pretzel Boy
Hugh Baily Frog Boy
Félix Duarte
Director
Jack Cardiff
Video
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Nolter uses circus freak show owner, Mr Lynch (the new Doctor Who, Tom Baker), to kidnap nubile young women or husky young men from his own class to turn them into plant humans.
Actor Michael Dunn died in London during the film’s production but had completed all of his scenes before he died. He was just 38 years old.
