A scientist attempts to create the perfect woman using an advanced test-tube procedure he has developed after experimenting on a dog fetus, resulting in a super-intelligent but fast-growing canine. Unbeknownst to the doctor, however, is the fact that this new science turns its subjects into killers. To this end, he falls in love with his creation - a very beautiful, extremely intelligent woman - who happens to have homicidal tendencies unfortunately also.
This sci-fi-horror-melodrama was directed by Ralph Nelson who previously was known to me for a couple of violent westerns, Duel at Diablo (1966) and Soldier Blue (1970), with the latter being a particularly controversial film. With Embryo, he is involved in something a lot less contentious, yet it does have a look at some uncomfortable issues, such as the horror of a human being growing to full adulthood in a matter of weeks and the associated tragedy inherent in that. The moral dimension of course is the old Frankenstein conundrum of man playing god and meddling with nature. The scientist here is Rock Hudson and I thought he was good enough in the part. Barbara Carrera stars as his creation, while Diane Ladd plays his dead wife's sister who stays with him to work as his assistant for some reason - it's not really much of a role for Ladd to be fair. Much better was Roddy McDowall in a cameo appearance in what is certainly the best scene in the movie, he plays a chauvinistic chess master who has his ass whipped by Carrera in front of an amused gathering of guests at a party – McDowall is really entertaining to watch in this part. Challenging him as best performer is the Doberman who nonchalantly carries out a series if very clever tricks throughout the movie.
Overall, while I wouldn't say this is a fully successful film, it's still a pretty interesting one. It only really moves into horror territory in its final stages and in fact ends on a pretty commendably dark note indeed. But I found the ideas and story quite engaging and think this one is worth catching, particularly if you like 70's sci-fi.
This sci-fi-horror-melodrama was directed by Ralph Nelson who previously was known to me for a couple of violent westerns, Duel at Diablo (1966) and Soldier Blue (1970), with the latter being a particularly controversial film. With Embryo, he is involved in something a lot less contentious, yet it does have a look at some uncomfortable issues, such as the horror of a human being growing to full adulthood in a matter of weeks and the associated tragedy inherent in that. The moral dimension of course is the old Frankenstein conundrum of man playing god and meddling with nature. The scientist here is Rock Hudson and I thought he was good enough in the part. Barbara Carrera stars as his creation, while Diane Ladd plays his dead wife's sister who stays with him to work as his assistant for some reason - it's not really much of a role for Ladd to be fair. Much better was Roddy McDowall in a cameo appearance in what is certainly the best scene in the movie, he plays a chauvinistic chess master who has his ass whipped by Carrera in front of an amused gathering of guests at a party – McDowall is really entertaining to watch in this part. Challenging him as best performer is the Doberman who nonchalantly carries out a series if very clever tricks throughout the movie.
Overall, while I wouldn't say this is a fully successful film, it's still a pretty interesting one. It only really moves into horror territory in its final stages and in fact ends on a pretty commendably dark note indeed. But I found the ideas and story quite engaging and think this one is worth catching, particularly if you like 70's sci-fi.