Review of The Horror of Frankenstein (1970) by Jason F — 08 Mar 2009

A misunderstood classic from Hammer Films. I remember first seeing it inside a hotel room at the Sheraton at Clearwater Beach during the Summer holidays. It came on WGOT Channel 44's Creature Feature with local horror host Dr. Paul Bearer. I loved it when I first saw it. It takes an engaging movie to get your mind off staying at the beach and deciding to be inside.

Jimmy Sangster does a great job of putting in humor throughout the film.

One of my favorites scenes, is when Frankenstein's monster gives the audience the British V sign (the middle finger in the US.) Yes, its junior high humor but it helps to create a nice transition from scenes of murder and mayhem.

Ralph Bates is a great Victor Frankenstein. He plays the young Victor as a smartass in school to getting into trouble in college and finally the egomatic prideful character he is at the film's end when the ending credits appear.

As I was re-watching this, considering the economic problems today in 2009, I was thinking how great it would be to be Victor Frankenstein. He had a castle, vasts amounts of wealth, and plenty of free time to conduct weirdo experiments in the lab. Who wouldn't want all that?

It becomes all the more tragic as the film progresses to the end result. I would have made better use of time and money, then again, I'm not driven to create life from dead body parts.

Of all the Hammer Frankenstein films, this one is the most fun to watch. The little jokes keeping coming, sometimes where you don't expect them to be.

Also, David Prowse, makes a great Hulk-like monster. As all the fanboys know, Prowse played Darth Vader in Star Wars. Instead of Boris Karloff cautiously leaving the lab by stumbling through the doorway, Prowse, punches out the wooden door with power and confidence. In makes an interesting contrast to the Karloff monster.

What I love about Hammer is the interesting subplots between the house keeper and the beautiful Veronica Carlson as the house keeper tries to blackmail Victor or talk him out of letting Carlson to stay at the castle. Jealousy is what gives a lot of these Frankenstein movies the human side and makes it more fun to see how Victor will react and deal with domestic problems. Every mad scientist needs a good vat for acid to be poured into to get rid of such problems.

As for the extras, Hammer finally throws the fans a bone.

You get.

Audio Commentary from Jimmy Sangster and Marcus Hearn (Hammer Historian).

Veronica Carlson interview.

Carlson Photo Album.

Gallery of Carlson's fine art.

And the usual posters, stills, trailers, and talent bios.

There is something to be said of a film that captures my imagination at age 12 and years later at 36.

A definite must have for fans of Hammer Horror.