Mad Monster Party (1968)
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63% of critics liked it
(8 reviews) -
62% of users liked it
(3,227 ratings)
The only theatrical feature from Rankin/Bass -- the outfit behind countless animated holiday TV specials including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman -- this quaint and colorful production pays amusing homage to nearly every movie monster in Universal's catalog, even to the… More The only theatrical feature from Rankin/Bass -- the outfit behind countless animated holiday TV specials including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman -- this quaint and colorful production pays amusing homage to nearly every movie monster in Universal's catalog, even to the extent of recruiting Boris Karloff to supply the voice of Baron Von Frankenstein. The story begins as the aged Baron invites all members of the Worldwide Organization of Monsters to attend the unveiling of his ultimate creation, a potion capable of destroying all matter. Before the assembled guests -- including Count Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Invisible Man, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon -- Frankenstein announces his retirement as the group's leader and the selection of his successor: his bookish, allergy-ridden nephew Felix. Chaos ensues, as nearly every creep and creature on the list begins conspiring against each other in a bid for the coveted office, including the Baron's outrageously voluptuous assistant Francesca (whose very presence stretches the film's "G" rating). The "Animagic" technique of stop-motion puppets is a refreshing medium for the larger-than-life monsters, and the parade of horror movie put-ons should delight viewers of all ages. Though the original negative was believed lost to neglect after the film's poor box-office performance, a pristine print has resurfaced, much to the delight of devoted fans who first discovered this gem via Halloween TV airings. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi
- Directed By
- Jules Bass
- Written By
- Forrest J Ackerman, Leo Korobkin
- Genres
- Horror, Animation, Kids & Family, Classics, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1967 Wide
- Studio
- Anchor Bay Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Anton Bitel, Little White Lies
nostalgia is key in this loving pastiche of bygone horror. The outmodedness of the villains, even the corniness of the gags, only adds to the film's irresistible charms. It is a fitting swansong to the whole era of 'castle horror'
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Dan Lybarger, eFilmCritic.com
It doesn't take much effort to spot the short cuts the filmmakers have taken.
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Sean Axmaker, Seanax.com
... the mix of innocence, stop-motion slapstick, off-beat spoofing, and just plain goofiness is a lot of fun, and sometimes the sheer absurdity of it all can sneak up on you.
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Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium
Clunky but charming; the subject and animatronic effects helped inspire The Nightmare Before Christmas.
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Gerry Shamray, Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
Mad Monster Party has never looked more colorful and bright.
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Cast
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Phyllis Diller
as Frankenstein's Wife
- Ethel Ennis
- Gale Garnett
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Boris Karloff
as Baron Boris von Frankenstein
- Allen Swift
