Tracy’s Mad Scientist stunt (aka Mad Doctor or sometimes Bartender through the years) was a staple in his attractions through the 60s. The stunt often featured a haggard figure that swayed front to back electronically with various iterations of painted scientific scenery surrounding him. In a few installations, the figure would sway over a glowing pot of brew with bubbles and foam, but for the majority, he’d simply animate while holding a skull with scientific instruments nearby. Most installation dimensions varied but were commonly at least 10’ long, 7’ tall, and 4’ deep. Some installations with smaller footprints featured dimensions as small as 3’ X 3’ X 4’. Flood lights often set the mood to make the figure, props, and backdrop glow. Many popular attractions featured Tracy’s Mad Scientist, such as The Haunted House at West View Park in PA, Ghost Ship at Ocean Playland in MD and later The Haunted House at Trimper’s Amusements in MD, Whacky Shack at Hunt’s Pier in NJ, and Castle of Terror at Rocky Point Park in RI. Very few remnants of this stunt exist today, save for those in private collections or in storage. As many Tracy fans will attest, the Mad Scientist will always be regarded as one of Tracy’s greatest hits during the early part of his dark ride career.
The Bill Tracy Project 