Frankenstein (1931)

Play Trailer and Clips
Starring:
Colin CliveBoris Karloff, (more)
Director(s):
James Whale
   Member Rating
   My Rating

Rent DVD by Mail

We're sorry: this movie is not available for rent by mail.

Theatrical Release Information  |  See Details About All Versions

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, All Movie Guide

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
71 mins

Complete Cast:


Director(s):
James Whale
Writer(s):
Robert FloreyFrancis Edwards FaragohJohn L. Balderston
Producer(s):
Carl Laemmle, Jr.
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Awards:
  • 1998 - Frankenstein - American Film Institute - 100 Greatest American Movies
  • 1990 - Frankenstein - Library of Congress - U.S. National Film Registry
  • 1931 - Frankenstein - New York Times - 10 Best Films

Other Ways to Watch*

Buy DVD

New DVD Price:  $10.99
Want to save 5 - 10% on this purchase?
Learn How
See all editions available from  $10.99

Rent DVD In-Store

Preferred Store:
No preferred Stores.
Check for In-Store Rental
* Not all titles are available for download to rent or buy.

BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster Inc. © 2009 Blockbuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Portions of Content Provided by All Movie Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.© 2009 All Media Guide, LLC.