Bride of Frankenstein, The

Rating: ****/*****, or 8/10

One of the greatest horror movies of all time, in every regard a very successful sequel to the original Frankenstein (1931), which also is one of the greatest horror movies of all time. James Whale once again directs, with a satirical and even campy view on the macabre goings-on of the film. After the monster created by Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive once more) has been deemed destroyed, the good doctor tries to save his marriage. However, sinister colleague Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger) blackmails him into creating life a second time, while the creature itself (still Boris Karloff in his most iconic role) turns out to be far from dead. In an overtly melodramatic but effective scene the latter befriends a blind old hermit who teaches him to talk: despite this vocal addition Karloff manages to keep the monster's eerie character intact, while his childlike but grumbling speech pattern makes him extra sympathetic. However, the angry mob of townspeople still thinks otherwise, driving the monster once again to mad rage as he hooks up with Pretorius to force Frankenstein to create a bride for him. Only 75 minutes in length, but containing the full range of compelling emotion, plus fabulous Gothic set dressing and lighting, this movie remains one of the most emulated but unsurpassed classics of the heydays of Hollywood. Boris Karloff would reprise his signature role a final time for the sequel Son of Frankenstein (1939), also an excellent addition to this “frankenchise”.

Starring Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, Valerie Hobson

Directed by James Whale

USA: Universal Pictures, 1935