Frankenstein
Originally released in 1931


Boris Karloff as The Monster

A true classic, Frankenstein was brought to life by Mary Shelley in 1818.  When Universal Pictures realized that horror movies could make them lots of money, the went first to Bela Lugosi to play the part of The Monster, but he turned it down since he felt that with all the make-up involved no one would know it was him.  Instead, Boris Karloff was given the role and Frankenstein became the most successful horror film of its time.  The story of a mad scientist who regenerates dead tissue in order to revive a human being, this movie differs from the others since it provokes many emotions such as love and humor.  The franchise that Frankenstein started for the studio made millions of dollars with many sequels and remakes, and also gave later writers and directors a basis for spoofs, most notably Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein.


L.C. Subject Headings

The following Library of Congress Subject Heading is for use in searching the on-line catalog for materials pertaining to Frankenstein.


Reviews

The New York Times Film Reviews 1913-1968.  Vol. 1, 1913-1931.  New York: The New York Times & Arno Press, 1970.
[Davis Ref: PN 1995. N4 v1]

Variety Film Reviews 1907-1980.  Vol. 4, 1930-1933.  New York: Garland Publishing  Inc., 1983.
[Davis Ref: PN 1995 .V34 v4]

Essays and Criticism

Svelha, Gary J. & Susan.  We Belong Dead: Frankenstein on Film.  Baltimore, M.D.:  Midnight Marquee Press, 1997.
[Davis, 7th floor stacks: PN1995.9.F8 W4 1997]

For a book that goes through the history of Frankenstein in motion pictures, this critique is sure to provide the user with lots of information.  Going back as far as 1910, We Belong Dead covers the entire spectrum of this story.  Much of this book does not pertain to the Universal days, but the chapters that do have great critical analysis which are definitely worth the read.

Original Novel

Shelley, Mary.  Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus.  Orchard Park, N.Y.:  Broadview Press, Ltd., 1999.  (originally published in 1818)
[Davis, 7th floor stacks: PR5397.F7 1999]

This version of the 1818 classic is one of the best in the collection at Davis (which has over a dozen versions of Frankenstein).  Containing the original text, which can be difficult to find for some older works, the Broadview publication also has a lengthy introduction which includes, among other things, notes on the content and a portion about Shelley’s education and a chronology of her life.  There are also six appendices, one of which has variants from the 1831 release of Frankenstein and another that has reviews from the original publication.

Video

Frankenstein.  Universal City, C.A..: MCA Videocassette, 1980.
[UL NonPrint: 65-V180]

Often described as the most excellent horror movie that Universal Pictures released, Frankenstein combines the basic elements of fear with other characteristics such as humor and love.  The makeup for this movie is incredible, and similar to what happened in the casting of Dracula, Karloff was not the primary star first chosen to the play the part of The Monster.  After the success of Dracula Lugosi was asked to play the role of Dr. Frankenstein’s creation, but declined on the grounds that with all the makeup no one would know it was him.  A movie that has had dozens of sequels and remakes, this 1931 production is as brilliant today as it was 70 years ago.
To Univeral Pictures page
To Boris Karloff page