The Misadventures of Merlin Jones

A curious Midvale College student and aspiring inventor who pushes boundaries with mind experiments. He designs a helmet that records brain activity and, unexpectedly, reads thoughts. His investigative instincts drive him to uncover a potential crime, even as his invention lands him in trouble. He remains resourceful, though sometimes naively optimistic about how technology should be used.

Merlin's girlfriend and supportive partner in his experiments. She joins Merlin in pursuing the truth and helps challenge the established authority. Her courage helps propel the duo to confront Judge Holmsby's secrets. She acts as the moral center that anchors Merlin's more impulsive tendencies.

A respected Midvale judge who secretly writes crime fiction under the alias Lex Fortas. He manipulates situations and conceives criminal plots, testing Merlin's theories about mind control and responsibility. His dual identity reveals a nuanced moral character capable of both integrity and deception. In the end, the film hints that a degree of dishonesty can reside in anyone.

Midvale's lab chimp subjected to Merlin's experiments and hypnotism. Stanley's moment of empowerment comes when Merlin makes him stand up for himself against Norman. The chimp's predicament underscores the moral costs of scientific experimentation on living beings.

The bully student who controls and harasses Stanley, illustrating peer pressure and cruelty in the college environment. He embodies the social obstacles Merlin faces in his quest for truth. Norman's confrontations escalate the plot and underline the consequences of aggression.

The academic behind Merlin's helmet invention, guiding the scientific exploration that drives the plot. He embodies the mentor-figure who fuels curiosity and technical progress. His presence anchors the story in a collegiate, experimental setting.