FRANKENSTEIN & THE MONSTER FROM HELL: A CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVIES TRIBUTE

Hammer's final Frankenstein chapter, Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell, is a 1972 (released in 1974) return to Peter Cushing's revered, Baron roots, after the studio's miscalculated (though much later appreciated) 1970 reboot, The Horror of Frankenstein.  

As it stands, Monster From Hell, directed by Terence Fisher, in what became his last feature, and penned by faithful, Frankenstein scribe Anthony Hinds (aka John Elder), picks up where Frankenstein Must be Destroyed left off, with Cushing's Victor Frankenstein, aka Carl Victor, now experimenting in an asylum, hindered by fire-damaged hands. He's assisted by a pretty, mute assistant, Sarah Klauss, aka Angel, played by Madeline Smith (of The Vampire Lovers/Live and Let Die/Taste the Blood of Dracula) and further abetted by skilled admirer/accomplice, Dr. Simon Helder, played by Shane Briant (of Captain Kronos/Dorian Gray/Demons of the Mind). The monster is enacted by David (Darth Vader) Prowse, who rendered a different monster in Horror of ..., and prior to such, a Universal knock-off in the comedic Casino Royale. (It must be noted that the creature, called Herr Schneider, is a "missing link," who upon receiving a new brain, gains a penchant for stabbing people with shards of glass.) 

Nige Burton and Jamie Jones, with contributions from dramatist John Logan and the endearing Ms. Smith, cover the production's earliest conception to its ultimate reception, combined with an affectionate overview of Hammer's Frankenstein franchise.  

In addition to the movie's aforementioned contributors, Monster From Hell's participants (whether before or behind the camera) receive methodical, biographical passages: Patrick Troughton, Bernard Lee, Charles Lloyd Pack, John Stratton, Michael Ward, Clifford Morrison ... Elsie Wagstaff, in addition to producer Roy Skeggs, cinematographer Brian Probyn, makeup artist Eddie Knight and composer James Bernard. 

Monster From Hell was a woeful but effective sendoff in Hammer's Frankenstein franchise. Great thanks goes to Burton and Jones for celebrating this entry in such a rigorous way. For Monster From Hell's fans (and they are legion), this "ultimate guide" will delight with its layered text, promotional graphics and insightful trivia. 

Classic Monsters of the Movies: Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell can be purchased at 

https://www.classic-monsters.com/shop/product/frankenstein-and-the-monster-from-hell-1974-ultimate-guide-magazine/

LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #50: THE MONSTER, THE DEVIL & THE UNEXPECTED

Little Shoppe of Horrors #50 spotlights Hammer Studios' final, Frankenstein chapter, Terence Fisher/John Elder (Anthony Hinds)' Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell, starring Peter Cushing, Madeline Smith, Shane Briant and David Prowse.

In addition to this great, Frankenstein finale, Little Shoppe also covers Terence Fisher/Dennis Wheatley's supernatural magnetizer, The Devil Rides Out (aka The Devil's Bride), starring Christopher Lee and Charles Gray; plus one of the best anthology series that ever was or will ever be, Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected. 

To ensure the pot overflows with bonus chills, there's a thorough essay on Hammer's camaraderie with 20th Century Fox/Seven Arts, and an endearing expose on that underrated proponent of all things sinister, the superlative Anton Diffring. 

As a further coaxer, Issue #50 is decorated by masterful artwork by Mark Maddox (who rendered the Frankenstein cover), William Stout (who created the demonic, back cover), Adrian Salmon (who fashioned the Dahl, inside-front tribute) and Colin Fenwick (who dished up the Rides Out inside-back bedazzler). 

The issue's prolific articles are by Kevin Klemensen, Pam Murray, Bruce G. Hallenbeck, Kiffy and Rachael Stainer-Hutchins, Constantine Nasr, Christopher Gullo and John Stoker, who deliver the most encyclopedic overviews one could desire. 

Little Shoppe is a remarkable periodical that commemorates the best in British-horror cinema. Each issue is printed on high-stock paper and packed with gorgeous, photo reproductions and amazing, tie-in artwork. Issue #50 is another stand-out in a long line of such praiseworthy submissions. 

Order at 

https://www.littleshoppeofhorrors.com/

GODPSEED, DAVE PROWSE...

You were the man in Darth Vader's attire, but your sturdy frame suited other towering roles, as well. 

In fact, you portrayed the Frankenstein Monster in "Casino Royale '67" and twice for Hammer Studios in "Horror of Frankenstein" and "Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell". In addition, you muscled your way into Hammer's "Vampire Circus" and costarred in Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange".

On the sidelines, you were the guiding Green Cross Code Man to Britain's youths, and to bodybuilder enthusiasts, an everlasting icon. You even trained Christopher Reeve to get in tip-top shape as the Man of Steel. 

Above all, you were loyal and grateful to your fans, Mr. Prowse: a mighty big man with a mighty big heart.