There are few films as iconic as Carl Lammele/James Whales' screen adaptation of Mary Shelley's renowned novel, Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus. Though this Universal submission isn't the most faithful to its literary source, Shelley's spirit pulses through every reinvented (and switched-together) aspect of the influential revision.
Perhaps that's why I've loved Frankenstein '31 ever since I was a wee, monster-obsessed lad. (In fact, Frankenstein is the cause as to why I became so fiendishly inclined.) I've also come to love it even more over the years, and trust me, there's much to love about this ghoulish treasure.
For one, Whale's direction is taut and creepy, and his deft execution houses an impeccable cast: Colin Clive as Henry Frankenstein; Mae Clarke as Elizabeth; John Boles as Victor Moritz; Edward Van Sloan as Dr. Waldman; Dwight Frye as Fritz; Frederick Kerr as Baron Victor Frankenstein; Lionel Belmar as Burgomeister Vogel; Marilyn Harris as Little Maria; and that man once enshrouded in mystery who became an icon of terror, Boris Karloff as the misunderstood, man-made Monster.
The script (by Garret Forte, Francis Edward Faragoh and {the uncredited} Robert Florey and John Russell. based on John Peggy Webling and John L. Balderston's plays) is also a consummate edge-of-the-seater. Herbert Rosse and Charles D's set designs, coddled by Arthur Edeson's portentous photography, complements the macabre atmosphere to the German Expressionistic hilt, and Kenneth Strickfaden's electrical machinery is an unblushing, steampunk dream come true.
Of course, as far as the Monster's portrayal goes, Karloff hits it out of the park, but much credit also goes to make-up genius, Jack Pierce, who formatted the Monster with hideous logic, establishing him as a nightmarish visage to rival them all.
Indeed, there's so much to adore, savor and (re)discover in Frankenstein that it's no wonder it's endured these ninety years, enough to have spawned beloved sequels and a plethora of pop-cultural merchandise. When it hits its one hundredth mark, it will no doubt be even more popular, further solidifying its position as a classic among classics.
Pull out your copy tonight and give James Whales' masterpiece another vigorous view. It's destined to electrify your senses, spark your imagination and most of all, make you feel ALIVE!
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