The Mutations

Plot

A deranged genetic scientist abducts college students as human guinea pigs that he uses in his experiments in crossbreeding plants with humans. The failed experimental mutants are then given to a cruel circus freakshow owner who exploits them to the fullest. However, the mutants and the circus freaks will not be denied justice.

Cast

Production

The Mutations was filmed exclusively in England in Oakley Court, Windsor in Berkshire; Battersea Park, London; and in Pinewood Studios.

According to Tom Baker, Willie Ingram, who went by the stage name "Popeye" because of his uncanny ability to dislocate his eyes from their sockets, used to frequent a bar across the street between shooting scenes. During one such outing one of the waitresses made it clear through her attitude that she didn't approve of Baker, who is white, being friends with Ingram who is black. To get back at her, Ingram would pop his eyes from their sockets when she passed their table, frightening her and when she tried to point it out to other waitresses and patrons he would then relocate his eyes back in their sockets and then he and Baker would pretend nothing happened. According to the film's producer and co-writer Robert D. Weinbach, the role for Professor Nolter was originally intended for famed horror actor Vincent Price, however due to difficulties with Price's agent the idea was abandoned.

Release

The Mutations was released in the UK in October 1974 and in the U.S. on September 25, 1974. The film was also released under the alternate title The Freakmaker.

Reception

Film critic Leonard Maltin awarded the film a mixed 2 out of 4 stars,criticizing the film's predictable story and what he called "grotesque elements and characters".