film summary
This is the one
horror flick that set the standard for all horror films to follow. It starts off
with a strange little prelude with Mary Shelley and Lord Byron, discussing the
first film, and she continues the story. Frankenstein's monster lives! Not only
in the film but in cinematic imfamy! Boris Karloff plays the role of his career,
and deserved an Oscar for humanizing the terrible creature. Lugosi, Strange and
Chaney Jr. all tried their hand in the Pierce make-up, but none could follow in
Boris' ample footsteps. Every horror cliche' was actually started in this film
(and the original as well) The dark castle, lightning on a stormy night, mad scientists,
ghoulish creatues haunting graveyards, the laboratory with bubbling test tubes....BOF
has it all. And what a story, as a mate is made for the lonely monster. James
Whale used wicked humor to tell a tale of unrequited love. Dr. Pretorious is the
quintessential mad scientist, as is Colin Clive. Watch for the scene in the laboratory
where they are making the bride. It is sheer genius, complete with the "terrific
storm", kites and the evil equipment, as the body is raised, I become 7 years
old again, a fascinated child once again! And the musical score is haunting. The
end is especially tragic as the audience begins to root for the creature. They
may truly "belong dead" but this beautiful piece of cinematic history
will live forever.
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