REMIND MAGAZINE: FRANKENSTEIN TRIBUTE ISSUE (OCT '24)

I'm so glad I subscribed to Remind, for the latest  issue is an fulfilling, Frankenstein salute. 

The emphasis of this issue falls on Boris Karloff's version of the Monster, but others within the Universal realm are featured, as well, including Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi and Glenn Strange, along with a biographical article on Karloff, another detailing Jack Pierce's makeup design and application procedure, and yet another containing comparative facts on Karloff and Lugosi. 

To complete the Monster-ized fun, Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein, Young Frankenstein, Frankenstein 1970, I Was a Teenage Frankenstein, The Curse of Frankenstein, Kenneth Branagh's Frankenstein, Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter, Frankenstein Conquers the World and its sequel, War of the Gargantuas are covered, along with a respectful glimpse at the popular, Frankenstein derivations, Re-Animator, The Terminator and Edward Scissorhands.

But that's not all. There are even special segments on Mary Shelley, Elsa Lancaster's Bride, Lugosi's Ygor, Marty Feldman's Igor and Dwight Frye's Fritz, plus a fond homage to Dan Curtis' Dark Shadows actors and a list of Monster toys and cereals. 

As with all Remind issues, there are plenty of games, cartoons, TV listings, trivia and crossword puzzles enclosed, and for this issue, inserts that even test one's horror-genre knowledge.  

This is a great issue to initiate the Halloween season. Copies are available online, but the best way to clinch continued issues is to subscribe.

https://www.remindmagazine.com/

BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN: REVISED EDITION (A CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVIES TRIBUTE)

In sync with their revised, Classic Monsters of the Movies editions of Tod Browning's Dracula and James Whale's Frankenstein, Nige Burton and Jamie Jones deliver a loving upgrade to their acclaimed, Bride of Frankenstein tribute.

Whale's extravaganza is considered one of the greatest sequels made, and all for good reason, as Burton and Jones detail through their informative, 36 pages. Whale's direction is brisk and invigorating, as he grants a lighter tone to Henry Frankenstein's peril. Franz Waxman's score is hands down one of the most sweeping imaginable (so grand, in fact, that it was used in the Flash Gordon serials). And then there's that amazing cast: Boris Karloff (who this time bestows the Monster a voice), Elsa Lancaster (as Mary Shelley and the Bride), Colin Clive, Valerie Hobson, Ernest Thesiger, Una O'Connor, Dwight Frye, Gavin Gordon, Douglas Walton, E. E Clive and O.P. Heggie. 

Burton and Jones not only document the movie's fascinating production, but present biographical rundowns and a generous serving of their "Quotable Quotes" and trivia snippets.

I love Universal horror and rank Bride in the studio's top five. This special, Classic Monsters of the Movies, deluxe re-issue is one that every film library should include. After all, Bride is an immortal classic that only grows more endearing with each passing year. 

Order at 

https://www.classic-monsters.com/shop/product/bride-of-frankenstein-1935-ultimate-guide-new-edition-magazine/

THE BRIDE & MUMMY RETURN

They are two of Universal Studios' greatest, one a sequel that many believe surpasses the original and the other a founding piece of horror cinema.

On October 1, Fathom Events presents James Whale's The Bride of Frankenstein and Karl Freund's The Mummy.

Each stars Boris Karloff as its lead "fiend", with Edward Van Sloan (Dracula's Van Helsing and Frankenstein's Dr. Waldman) as the insightful Dr. Muller in our 1932, bandaged classic. In this case, Karloff portrays Ardath Bey, aka Imhotep, aka The Mummy, with the mysterious Zeta Johann as his reincarnated love, Anck-su-namun. 

For 1935's The Bride, Karloff reprises his most famous role as the Frankenstein Monster, with Elsa Lancaster as the creature's would-be betrothed (and as Mary Shelley in a delightful prelude), with Colin Clive once more as the guilt-ridden Henry Frankenstein and Ernest Thesiger as the conniving Dr. Septimus Pretorius.

Most fans hold these entries close to their horror-filled hearts, celebrating their iconic characterizations and sweeping, macabre scopes. If you've seen them, you understand the sentiment, and if you've not, you can now experience their groundbreaking terror in a way that you could have never imagined. 

Be warned: This double feature won't re-manifest any time soon, so revel in these giants of monster cinema for all their towering splendor while the opportunity calls. 

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: KARLOFF/LUGOSI, YGOR/MONSTER (SON OF FRANKENSTEIN)

HAPPY 90TH, FRANKENSTEIN '31

There are few films as iconic as Carl Lammele/James Whale's 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 Whale's masterpiece another vigorous view. It's destined to electrify your senses, spark your imagination and most of all, make you feel ALIVE! 

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: THE (UN)USUAL SUSPECTS (THE COMEDY OF TERRORS)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 2019, FROM THE MONSTER AND HIS MATE

RANDY BOWSER'S KARLOFF: THE MAN BEHIND THE MONSTER, AN AUDIO ADAPTATION

In October '15, I shared my reaction to one of the most brilliant and moving productions I've had the good fortune to absorb: Randy Bowser's "Karloff: the Play". I've continued to praise the show and the mastermind behind it, for Bowser's tribute is truly that special.

One can now purchase a digital download of Bowser's breathtaking, one-man event, where the actor/director/writer's engaging tonality guides the listener into the depths of Boris Karloff's fascinating life. 

In "Karloff: the Man Behind the Monster", one is treated to reflections on the actor's early years (his struggles and aspirations), as well as his entrance into Hollywood and his fated development of the Frankenstein Monster. Cinema legends such as James Whale, Colin Clive, Jack Pierce, Howard Hawks, Val Lewton and Bela Lugosi are woven throughout with tender, resonating care, adding to the vast, historic tapestry.  

Listening to Bowser's voice (the marvelous manner in which he channels the influential thespian) will delight one's ears--in fact, all of one's senses.

"Karloff: the Play" is not to be missed. "Karloff: the Man Behind the Monster" is, in its own loving way, every bit as uplifting and insightful. 

The digital download of Bowser's creation is available at ... https://randybowser.bandcamp.com/album/karloff-the-man-behind-the-monster

In addition to the audio presentation, one will receive a copy of the script, a video scene of the play, music tracks and a dandy production poster: all the more reason to order, all the more reason for Karloff fans to rejoice.