Review of Son of Frankenstein (1939) by Andy S — 27 Mar 2012
While this film, crammed with Horror/Suspense icons, boasts nice performances from Lionel Atwell, Bela Lugosi and Basil Rathbone, I feel that the true superstar, Boris Karloff, truly got neglected here.
The let down in all is that a mystery/suspense story was built around the idea of the Monster still being alive but at the beck and call of Ygor, rather than any character arc or story truly around the Monster himself.
Gone is all of the magic that James Whale brought to the franchise. Gone is sympathy for the misunderstood Monster that allowed Karloff to truly breath life into him. I really missed that aspect. The exchange for the revenge mystery seems weak and not important.
I want MORE Monster and his growth. Lionel Atwell was outstanding in this and created one of the most interesting characters as Inspector Krough. By films end you truly loathe Wolf Von Frankenstein. He is such a pale and limp version of his Father.
Not that Basil Rathbone didn't give a good performance. I think the trouble here is simply the decision to take this film a certain way. Lugosi obviously had fun here as he got to play BIG and loud as Ygor.
It's sad that this was Karloff last run at the Monster.
This review of Son of Frankenstein (1939) was written by Andy S on 27 Mar 2012.
Son of Frankenstein has generally received positive reviews.
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