Frankenstein (1931)
- Starring:
- Colin Clive, Boris Karloff, (more)
- Director(s):
- James Whale
- Format(s):
- DVD
| Digital SD
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Synopsis of Frankenstein
Still regarded as the definitive film version of Mary Shelley's classic tale of tragedy and horror, Frankenstein made unknown character actor Boris Karloff a star and created a new icon of terror. Along with the highly successful Dracula, released earlier the same year, it launched Universal Studio's golden age of 1930s horror movies. The film's greatness stems less from its script than from the stark but moody atmosphere created by director James Whale; Herman Rosse's memorable set designs, particularly the fantastic watchtower laboratory, featuring electrical equipment designed by Kenneth Strickfaden; the creature's trademark look from makeup artist Jack Pierce, who required Karloff to don pounds of makeup and heavy asphalt shoes to create the monster's unique lurching gait; and Karloff's nuanced performance as the tormented and bewildered creature. Frankenstein was greeted with screams, moans, and fainting spells upon its initial release, obliging Universal to add a disclaimer in which Edward Van Sloan advises the faint of heart to leave the theater immediately. If they don't: "Well...we've warned you." Director James Whale was memorably embodied by Ian McKellen in the Oscar-winning 1998 biopic Gods and Monsters. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 71 mins
Complete Cast of Frankenstein
- Colin Clive - Henry Frankenstein
- Mae Clarke - Elizabeth
- Dwight Frye - Fritz, the Dwarf
- Frederick Kerr - Baron Frankenstein
- Arletta Duncan
- Francis Ford - Villager
- Marilyn Harris - Little Maria
- Boris Karloff - The Monster
- John Boles - Victor Moritz
- Edward Van Sloan - Doctor Waldman
- Lionel Belmore - Herr Vogel, Burgomaster
- Pauline Moore - Bridesmaid
- Michael Mark - Ludwig, Peasant Father
- Director(s):
- James Whale
- Writer(s):
- Garrett Elsden Fort, Francis Edwards Faragoh, Robert Florey
- Producer(s):
- Carl Laemmle, Jr.
- 1998 - American Film Institute - 100 Greatest American Movies
- 1990 - Library of Congress - U.S. National Film Registry
- 1931 - New York Times - 10 Best Films
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