Frankenstein (1931) (1931)
-
100% of critics liked it
(41 reviews) -
82% of users liked it
(39,429 ratings)
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… More 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, Rovi
- Directed By
- James Whale
- Written By
- John L. Balderston, Francis Edward Faragoh, Garrett Fort
- Genres
- Horror, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy
- In Theaters
- Nov 21, 1931 Wide
- Studio
- Universal Pictures Company
Critic Reviews
-
, TIME Magazine
[Whale] did it in the Grand Guignol manner, with as many queer sounds, dark corners, false faces and cellar stairs as could possibly be inserted.
-
Alfred Rushford Greason, Variety
Maximum of stimulating shock is there, but the thing is handled with subtle change of pace and shift of tempo that keeps attention absorbed to a high voltage climax.
-
Don Druker, Chicago Reader
One of the most deservedly famous and chilling horror films of all time.
-
, Time Out
The film is unique in Whale's work in that the horror is played absolutely straight, and it has a weird fairytale beauty not matched until Cocteau made La Belle et la Bête.
-
Mordaunt Hall, New York Times
A stirring grand-guignol type of picture, one that aroused so much excitement at the Mayfair yesterday that many in the audience laughed to cover their true feelings.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Also available on
UltraViolet Retailers
Other Retailers
Subscription Services
Cast
-
Colin Clive
as Henry Frankenstein
-
Mae Clarke
as Elizabeth
-
John Boles
as Victor Moritz
-
Boris Karloff
as The Monster
-
Frederick Kerr
as Baron Frankenstein
-
Dwight Frye
as Fritz the Dwarf
-
Edward Van Sloan
as Doctor Waldman
-
Lionel Belmore
as Herr Vogel Burgomaster
- Arletta Duncan
-
Marilyn Harris
as Little Maria
-
Michael Mark
as Ludwig Peasant Father
-
Pauline Moore
as Bridesmaid
-
Francis Ford
as Villager


