What is The Borrowed Face?
The Borrowed Face (1965) is a 1h 25m comedy‑science‑fiction film set in the 1930s, following physician Bartos as he experiments with facial transplantation, replacing a wanted thief’s face with that of a murdered priest at the request of a brothel owner. The story intertwines medical ambition, criminal intrigue, and moral conflict within a period backdrop.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1965
- Release date
- Dec 24, 1965
- Genres
- Comedy, Science Fiction
- Updated
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
The Borrowed Face (1965) is a 1h 25m comedy‑science‑fiction film set in the 1930s, following physician Bartos as he experiments with facial transplantation, replacing a wanted thief’s face with that of a murdered priest at the request of a brothel owner. The story intertwines medical ambition, criminal intrigue, and moral conflict within a period backdrop.
Although not widely cited, the film is notable for its early blend of dark comedy and speculative science, pre‑figuring later works that question the limits of medical technology. Its tone remains sardonic yet measured, with pacing that allows the ethical dilemmas and quirky characters to develop without rush.
Should you watch it?
“A compassionate doctor swaps a criminal’s face with a priest’s in a darkly comic 1930s experiment.”
- Combines comedy and science‑fiction in a distinctive period piece.
- Explores provocative ethical questions about tissue regeneration and identity.
- Features an unusual premise of facial replacement that drives the narrative.
- The speculative premise may feel implausible to viewers seeking realistic drama.
Watch it if you enjoy offbeat period pieces that mix dark humor with speculative medical science.
The film’s tone is darkly comedic with steady pacing, best suited for adult viewers comfortable with ethical gray zones.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I stream The Borrowed Face?
The provided sources do not list current streaming platforms for the film.
Is The Borrowed Face worth watching?
It offers a rare mix of period comedy and sci‑fi themes that may appeal to fans of genre‑blending cinema.
How long will it take to watch?
The runtime is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Are there essential episodes to watch?
The Borrowed Face is a standalone film, so there are no episodes.