Review of Bride of Frankenstein (1935) by 3Guys 1 — 26 Sep 2011

Yup it's true I am reviewing another Universal Monster picture. I just can't seem to get enough of these early monster pictures. Let's blame it on growing up watching Creature Double Feature on CH 56 in Boston on Saturday mornings. At least it's getting close to Halloween so you can use these recommendations to the fullest. So bust out some candy corn, popcorn balls and a cup of hot apple cider and check out this spooky review.

The Bride of Frankenstein released in 1935 is the sequel to the Frankenstein (1931). The film features the same Director (Whale) as the original. He was able to wrest a significant amount of artistic control and freedom from the studio following hits with The Invisible Man and the first Frankenstein films. The director kept the same cinematographer for this picture as the original and he continues his use of German expressionist inspired camera-work and unusual angle shots.

The majority of the original cast returns for this picture. Reprising the main roles, Colin Clive returned as Dr. Frankenstein and Boris Karloff is back as the Frankenstein monster. A significant addition to this picture is Ernest Thesiger as the sexually ambiguous mad scientist Dr. Septimus Pretorious.

The set design on this picture is something to behold. Although, you can see the sets are heavily influenced by stage performance the director makes tremendous use of the limited space provided. In particular the design of the hermits cabin and the Lab where the monster is created stand out for their atmospheric elements.

The plot of the film involves the discovery that both Dr. Frankenstein and the Monster are still alive despite their suspected deaths in the original. Dr. Frankenstein has plans to marry Elizabeth (Valerie Hobson) and he renounces his creation. However, he is soon visited by former mentor Dr. Septimus Pretorious and asked to assist him in recreating life. Dr. Frankenstein is reluctant as Dr. Pretorious raises a toast to their venture "to a world of gods and monsters".

Meanwhile we see that the Frankenstein monster is still alive as well. He lurks around the countryside doing what he does best. While almost drowning a young girl and then trying to smother her cries the monster is shot by 2 hunters and an angry mob is soon on his trail. In some iconic scenes the monster is befriended by a blind hermit (O.P. Heggie) who feeds him and teaches him some rudimentary language. The monsters brief respite from torment ends when he is discovered by hunters and burns down the hermit's cottage.

While on the run the monster encounters Dr. Pretrorious in a crypt grave robbing and is enticed to assist him in creating a mate/friend for the monster. To this end the monster captures Elizabeth to force Dr. Frankenstein to create another creature with Dr. Pretorious. The creation sequence in the Lab is absolutely amazing. This often copied and satirized scene is a staple of American cinema and its worth watching this film just for that scene alone. Things go from bad to worse once Dr. Frankenstein shouts "she's alive. Alive!!!".

This is the best of the monster movies that I have reviewed so far and is well worth watching. I probably had not seen this movie in 25 years and was surprised by the amount of influence on popular culture and cinema that's contained in the film. If anything this has inspired me to see more of these monster movies. I also feel a need to revisit Young Frankenstein (1974) as I would probably more readily identify with its themes. In summation this film is an exciting, scary, fun filled satirical romp and well worth your time. This film is currently available on Netflix for instant streaming.