Rating: 
Summary: The Ed Wood movie with Bela Lugosi and the rubber octopus
Review: "Bride of the Monster," also known as "Bride of the Atom," is the 1956 Ed Wood film where Bela Lugosi wrestles with a giant fake octopus (oh, THAT Ed Wood film). The argument here is not that this is a good movie, but we are talking Ed Wood, which means a whole different criteria for evaluating a film and your enjoyment in viewing same. Yes, this is a bad film, but there is such an earnestness to Wood's efforts that he is obviously oblivious to it all, which makes the film equally endearing and depressing. The man got his movies made, so I just do not see this as sad as those people who finally get the opportunity to make a film and make some dreadful splatter flick. So, now, Ed Wood is not in the lowest circle of the cinematic inferno. This is not a four-star film, just a four-star experience. Big difference.Lugosi is the evil mad scientist Dr. Eric Vornoff, who uses his dumb assistant, Lobo (Tor Johnson) to capture the locals so he can use atomic energy to transform them into supermen back as his laboratory in an abandoned house in the middle of a swamp where the pet rubber octopus out back is used to dispose of the mistakes. Intrepid girl reporter Janet Lawton (Loretta King) investigates the disappearances, although her fiance, Detective Lt. Dick Craig (Tony McCoy) tries to warn her off. Janet is captured by Lobo and (horrors) forced to wear a wedding dress (thereby justifying if not explaining the title). Can Dick and the other cops rescue her in time? "Plan 9 From Outer Space" remains the apex of bad Ed Wood films, but all things considered "Bride of the Monster" probably comes in second. The acting is probably worse, but so is the script, so I do not find as many memorably lines that force you to howl in laughter. Much is made of Lugosi's participation in these Ed Wood flicks and this is the one where the old actor has the most to do as he goes tampering with God's domain. He gives it his all despite the problems with the script and the fact there is no budget for making this movie. "Night of the Ghouls" is considered a sequel to this film because Tor Johnson again plays "Lobo," but do not expect any more continuity between the two than that if you bother to track it down, but then there is not reason for you to do so. After "Plan 9 From Outer Space" this is the Ed Wood film to check out, and if you really want to find out more about Ed then "Glen or Glenda." But beyond those three, you are on your own.
Rating: 
Summary: Bela Lugosi and a Giant Rubber Octopus!
Review: 'Bride of the Monster' is probably Ed Wood's genuinely best movie, though it is, of course, still a low budget piece of cinematic cheese. I love Wood, and think his films are delightful in their ingenuity, stream-of-consciousness dialogue, illogical editing, and weirdo cast members and hangers on (I particularly miss Criswell and Vampira in this one.) In 'Bride of the Monster' (originally 'Bride of the Atom') Wood weaves a tale of mayhem, aging lunatic scientists (Bela Lugosi as Dr. Eric Vornoff) and their mute giant henchmen (Swedish wrestler Tor Johnson as 'Lobo'), pretty news reporters (Dolores Fuller), and giant rubber octopi. The story is fairly irrelevant, as in most Wood films, although some see this as Ed's anti-nuclear picture, which though reasonable, is not my personal opinion. I think the nuclear backdrop in the film is a device to explain the presence of Lugosi and his plot to make 'atomic powered supermen' to take over the world, but I could be wrong and you are free to have your own interpretation. The standout bits of unintentional comedy in this movie (present in all Wood films, though here less than most) are the colander on the head device in Vornoff's laboratory, the incredibly silly looking rubber octopus that cast members had to deal with (this is a story in itself as Ed appropriated the octopus from a major studio, but forgot to bring the device that made it work, so cast members ended up pulling the legs around them in their 'death struggle' scenes), and the now famous atomic explosion (requested by a financial backer of the film) at the end, which has absolutely nothing to do with the rest of the film. Pure Ed Wood genius, in other words. The movie is the last one ever by Bela Lugosi (the minute or so of Lugosi in 'Plan 9' was used after Bela's death), and some of his performance is excellent, particularly the beginning of the genuinely autobiographical "I have no home" speech. He also exhibits the creepy double-jointed finger movements he was famous for in 'Dracula' and they are still very creepy. The other acting, while not Oscar worthy, is also a step above the typical Wood film. In summary, I think 'Bride of the Monster' is worth five stars for several reasons: first, it is probably Wood's genuinely best film; two, it is fun to watch in the spirit of campy old monster movies; and three, Bela Lugosi shines in his last role. Sure it's wacky, disjointed, and at times nonsensical, but if you get into the spirit of it, it's a fun film to watch by yourself, of better yet, with likeminded friends.
Rating:
Summary: It's not too bad but yes it is rubbish
Review: Basically this a sci-fi flick with an interesting story. The actors were not as atrocious as in Glen or Glenda. Sure they were wooden, but they weren't as cardboard cut out as Dolores was in that or many of the actors that were in that. In some ways though sympathies have to go to Bela Lugosi. He tries his damnedest to do his best in every film and is only let down by nearly all of those around him. His assistant Lobo ( or Tor ) isn't so bad himself. He plays the silent part well and knows how to carry out his job perfectly. It's just a pity he had to be in this film. Everybody else just is a bit too hammy in their acting to be really believable and well when it comes to inanimate objects that are pretending to be snakes or giant octopusses, the less said the better! Well actually, I might as well divulge them anyway......basically see them scream and squirm and toss and turn when the thing does absolutely nothing is hilarious. Another problem is the ending which happens a little too quick. I know some might just turn off the DVD when they think it's all just crap but it seems Ed spent ages on how to plot the suspense and leaves you short changed on the ending. Just a simple few words " He messed with..." blah blah blah and kaboosh show's over folks. It's not so much of a happy ending as more of a botched job of an ending. Still there's a dramatic improvement in this film and Glen or Glenda But Ed tried, honestly he tried
Rating: 
Summary: "Don't be afraid of Lobo. He's as gentle as a kitten."
Review: Bela Lugosi, Jr. once said in an interview that his father always gave his best to a performance, no matter how bad the movie itself was. This is true in the case of "Bride of the Monster." Lugosi's performance is the highlight of the film; despite his obviously frail health, he does a good job as Dr. Eric Vornoff, employing Dracula-like hand motions, extreme close-ups of his glaring eyes, and evil little chuckles. As for the rest of the film...well, it's not as bad as I would have expcted an Ed Wood film to be. Sure, the octopus is so fake it's ridiculous, and the dreaded atomic machine is a doctor's examining table with a salad bowl for your head, but it's not a total shambles of a production to the extent than "Plan 9" would be. The movie probably looks better than it did originally, due to a very good transfer to DVD; the picture is great for an old movie which was at the time cheaply made. The sound, however, could have been a little better; I had turn my TV volume almost all the way up in order to hear Loretta King speak and make out what Lugosi was saying, with his thick accent. If you're a fan of the movie "Ed Wood," it's worth checking out to see the real "Bride" portrayed in that film. I would also recommend it to loyal Lugosi fans who want to see Bela in his final speaking role. He said he wanted to work until the end, and although "Bride" is by no stretch a worthy farewell to such a fine actor, you will still enjoy Lugosi's performance.
Rating: 
Summary: Like a masterpiece (Almost)
Review: Bride of the Monster is the best of Ed Wood's films. Frankly after watching Scared to Death -- the film truly looks like a masterpiece -- and truth be told it isn't that bad. in fact, it is rather enjoyable. OK I am gonna admit it -- I like it! If you look past the cheesy octopus (no worse than the hysterical devil bat), the cheap sets and the lame acting (better than Scared to Death!), if you suspend a little disbelief and realize this movie was made for a song -- then actually it is pretty darned good. One reason for this is that Bela Lugosi gets ample screen time and if Ed Wood was a bit unimaginative he at least knew what it was that made Lugosi a legend and reprises little details from the mad scientific leering of the Devil Bat to the idiosyncratic hand gestures of White Zombie. Bela is given a chance to shine in his final speaking performance and shine he does. The movie has its flaws, but Bela is not one of them. He is old and looks weak, but he carries the movie like a true champion. He makes empty dialog sound meaningful and implausible scenarios seem poignant (well almost poignant). Bela's "I have no home" monolog is beautiful. He could make dialog such as "I have proven that I am alright!" sound good. Lugosi gives his all in his last performance, and it is a great performance, even if he does have to wrestle with a fake octopus.
Rating:
Summary: Back Lobo! Back Lobo!!!
Review: Do you like bad,but fun movies?? How about bad editing?? Big rubber snakes?? An Octopus in the swamp??? Care to see a Bela Lugosi double wearing platform shoes??...Well,this is the movie to get if you like to watch on a rainy night(or however)and don't have anything else better to do.Maybe make a drinking game out of it for every mistake you see...Ed Wood is NOT the worst director(Coleman Francis is!),but at least he could do with what he could afford(or not),if you look at it that way......If you'd care to see MST3K do this,then find out on their website(tape trading section)---it's a hoot!! Very funny indeed!!.....
Rating:
Summary: Tampering in God's Domain.
Review: Ed Wood films cannot be described without resorting to pejoratives. "So bad, it's funny" doesn't capture the essence of this movie. That speaks volumes, considering the many examples of schlock cinema that is out there in cheesy movie land. Bela Lugosi, regardless of the serious merits of his actor's work record, has the dubious distinction of starring in some of the lowest of the low budget turkeys of all time. As Varnoff, the crazed scientist, he seeks to create a master race of atomic giants. Bela's lab/dungeon displays a flat wall that is painted to suggest rock. Note the prominent sink, cabinets, and refrigerator that look as if they emerged from a Good Housekeeping ad of 1955. Surpassing the absurdities of the set are the platform shoes (suggesting atomic height) worn by Bela's double during the climactic battle with Lobo (Tor Johnson). The inanimate rubber octopus is the stuff of low budget legend. The metal cap with wires attached worn by the victim strapped to the table compliment the ersatz Frankenstein aura of the electrodes and the other hardware. The angora effect is evident. The moderately priced DVD edition has a sharp image, but dark tones abound. The audio is inferior. Considering the silly dialogue, that isn't all bad news. Collectors of vintage cheesy horror flicks need this movie in their library regardless of the challenges. Bela Lugosi fans still ponder his professional decline. From the original Universal Studios Dracula to Ed Wood was a downward spiral of just over 20 years. Proceed at your peril. ;-)
Rating:
Summary: Tampering in God's Domain.
Review: Ed Wood films cannot be described without resorting to pejoratives. "So bad, it's funny" doesn't capture the essence of this movie. That speaks volumes, considering the many examples of schlock cinema that is out there in cheesy movie land. Bela Lugosi, regardless of the serious merits of his actor's work record, has the dubious distinction of starring in some of the lowest of the low budget turkeys of all time. As Varnoff, the crazed scientist, he seeks to create a master race of atomic giants. Bela's lab/dungeon displays a flat wall that is painted to suggest rock. Note the prominent sink, cabinets, and refrigerator that look as if they emerged from a Good Housekeeping ad of 1955. Surpassing the absurdities of the set are the platform shoes (suggesting atomic height) worn by Bela's double during the climactic battle with Lobo (Tor Johnson). The inanimate rubber octopus is the stuff of low budget legend. The metal cap with wires attached worn by the victim strapped to the table compliment the ersatz Frankenstein aura of the electrodes and the other hardware. The angora effect is evident. The moderately priced DVD edition has a sharp image, but dark tones abound. The audio is inferior. Considering the silly dialogue, that isn't all bad news. Collectors of vintage cheesy horror flicks need this movie in their library regardless of the challenges. Bela Lugosi fans still ponder his professional decline. From the original Universal Studios Dracula to Ed Wood was a downward spiral of just over 20 years. Proceed at your peril. ;-)
Rating:
Summary: ED WOOD IS THE BEST DIERECTOR EVER!
Review: I just can't believe what a great director Ed Wood was. Wood makes Spielberg look infantile. This movie has great acting, great choreography, great music and great, wonderful, FANTASTIC DIRECTING! This isn't even Ed Wood's best work. I am shocked at some of the reviews. Don't listen to what anyone says about Ed Wood being an awful director, only listen to me, Dr. Judge.
Rating:
Summary: Bela! Bela! Bela!!!!
Review: I watched this movie expecting another enjoyable PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE catastrophe. I was surprised to find myself liking the movie a lot. The main reason is Bela Lugosi. He is in rare form as Dr. Vornoff, chomping up the scenery like a demon-possessed chainsaw! Also, Tor Johnson plays "LOBO" Dr. Vornoff's hulking zombie assistant with far more animation than his PLAN 9 role as a hulking zombie police detective. My only complaint is that Vampira was not in BOTM to round out the terrible trio! Plot? Dr. Vornoff (sounds like cheap vodka doesn't it?) is attempting to take over the world by creating an army of radiated supermen (unfortunately, he keeps killing his victims instead). He and Lobo live in a big, spooky abandoned house with their pet octopus (??!). A female reporter gets nosey after a pair of locals disappear. She goes to the "vacant" old house to snoop around. She is captured by Lobo and taken to Vornoff's lab. Somehow, she ends up in a wedding dress and is set to be zapped by Vornoff's evil contraption, when suddenly, Lobo goes berserk, untying the girl and attacking Vornoff! This leads to Dr. V being zonked by his own machine, turning him into a giant (check out the Bela-double in the 7" platform KISS shoes). This all ends in a duel between Bela and the lifeless rubber octopus. Now, from what I've just described, how can you possibly lose?? Buy this masterpiece right now...
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