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Frankenstein
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Synopsis
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

Cast

John Boles Victor Moritz
Mae Clarke Elizabeth
Colin Clive Henry Frankenstein
Dwight Frye Fritz, the Dwarf
Boris Karloff The Monster
Frederick Kerr Baron Frankenstein
Edward Van Sloan Doctor Waldman

Production Crew

Charles Hall Art Director
E.M. Asher Associate Producer
Mary Shelley Book Author
Arthur Edeson Cinematographer
David Brockman Composer (Music Score)
David Broekman Composer (Music Score)
James Whale Director
Clarence Kolster Editor
Maurice Pivar Editor
Jack Pierce Makeup
Peggy Webling Play Author
Carl Laemmle, Jr. Producer
Francis Edwards Faragoh Screenwriter
Garrett Elsden Fort Screenwriter
John L. Balderston Screenwriter
Robert Florey Screenwriter
Herman Rosse Set Designer
John P. Fulton Special Effects
Year: 1931
Runtime: 71
Country: USA
MPAA Rating:
Category: Feature


Produced by
Universal

Release
by Universal

Awards
1931 - 10 Best Films - New York Times
1990 - U.S. National Film Registry - Library of Congress
1998 - 100 Greatest American Movies - American Film Institute