Rating: Summary: Love, Rejection, & Death Review: Is there a more heart-twisting ending than that of "Bride of Frankenstein"? Who does not relate to the Creature when he decides to destory himself and the woman who rejects him, and then a lone tear edges down his cheek. This movie is the ultimate in sequels, often out-doing "Frankenstein". All the Creature wanted was a friend, a companion, someone who was like him. And yet he was rejected again -- in the first movie by his "father" and in the second movie by the only other being who was like him. Karloff gives a stellar performance and Lancaster is beyond peer as both Mrs. Shelley and the Bride. Read my version of the story in the Universal Monsters series "Vow of Vengenace" coming in July 2002. You can also read my versions of Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein, the Mummy (January 2002), and Creature from the Black Lagoon (April 2002)from Scholastic books. Visit my web site at larrymike.com for more information on the Universal Monsters series from Universal Studios and Scholastic books.
Rating: Summary: ANOTHER BORIS KARLOFF CLASSIC!!!!!!! Review: Ever since 1935 when The Bride of Frankenstien was released,people wanted to be scared in a way.By watching one of the best squels ever made,you may not be scared but amazed on how good this movie is.Boris Karloff(Frankenstien,The Mummy)returns for his second apprance as Frankenstien's monster and trust me this is a real good classic.The costumes are cool and the Bride's hair is so tall!I recomend Frankenstien and Ghost of Frankenstien.Also includes trailer!
Rating: Summary: A Classic Horror Sequel That Outdoes the Original Review: Even after nearly 70 years, few horror movies match the perfect juxtaposition of spooky ambiance and morbid hilarity that can be found in James Whale's THE BRIDE OF FRANEKENSTEIN. Superior to the first film--though that one is also a masterpiece--Whale's direction is brilliant throughout. Especially interesting is the scene where the "Bride" is created: The use of harsh lighting, odd camera angles, and abrupt cutaways creates an eerie and uncomfortable feeling that heightens the horror of the event depicted, and while watching it all unfold seamlessly, it easy to see why the film is considered the archetype for all mad-scientist horror flicks. The acting is also quite superb. Ernest Thesiger (Doctor Pretorious) and Elsa Lanchester (The "Bride") both deliver wonderfully quirky over-the-top performances, but they don't upstage Karloff, who still imparts his portrayal of the monster with the same ambivalent mixture of pathos and loathing that helped make the first film so memorable. The performances alone make this film worth watching (again and again!), but add to it the gothic sets, the fine direction, and the outrageous mixture of horror and comedy, and you have a classic horror flick that has yet to be beaten. Whale's best film, by far!
Rating: Summary: James Whale was Universal's best director Review: The Bride of Frankenstein is to me the greatest Universal Classic Monster movie. The cast is superb, as is the directing. Boris Karloff IS Frankenstein's Monster, and though their were others, no one could fill Boris' platform boots. Ernest Thesinger as Dr. Pretorious is the real monster in this movie. In fact Dr. Pretorious was probably the creepiest character they ever came up with. Colin Clive, who plays Dr. Frankenstein wants to quit the monster business and take his lovely new bride on vacation, but Dr. P has other plans and uses the monster, who is really the victim of the movie, to carry out his plans. The movie is filled with great scenes and unforgetable moments. There is humor, fright, and also some very touching scenes. When the monster makes his first friend with the blind hermit, you can actually sense his peace and happiness, though it is fleeting. Elsa has a double role in this movie in which she plays the monster's would be mate, and the author of the novel Frankenstein. The latter role is an introduction to the movie. She is a babe both as the author and the living corpse. Her hair style will be remembered forever, but you can't take your eyes off the rest of her. Whale and Boris worked well together, because the first two Frankenstein movies are by far the best. Whale was able to bring feelings of symphathy to the monster that the later movies couldn't reproduce. I could go on and on about this great and classic flick. It's as good today as it was when it was released. It has truly stood the test of time. Sure the bat flying in the cave is hokey and you can see the strings, but it's things like that that make the movie entertaining and unforgettable. The lab scene in which they bring Elsa to life was even more impressive than the original lab. ONCE YOU SEE THIS FLICK, YOU'LL NEVER FORGET IT.
Rating: Summary: One of the most talked about horror films of all time! Review: One of the most talked-about horror classics of all time, and an acclaimed sequel to the original Frankenstein. The legendary (Boris Karloff) reprises his role as the screen's most misunderstood monster who now longs for a mate of his own. (Colin Clive) is back as the overly ambitious Dr. Frankenstein, who creates the ill-fated bride (Elsa Lanchester). Great movie and very creepy atmosohere a guarantee haunt!
Rating: Summary: The Greatest Horror movie of all time Review: This is the one horror flick that set the standard for all horror films to follow. It starts off with a strange little prelude with Mary Shelley and Lord Byron, discussing the first film, and she continues the story. Frankenstein's monster lives! Not only in the film but in cinematic imfamy! Boris Karloff plays the role of his career, and deserved an Oscar for humanizing the terrible creature. Lugosi, Strange and Chaney Jr. all tried their hand in the Pierce make-up, but none could follow in Boris' ample footsteps. Every horror cliche' was actually started in this film (and the original as well) The dark castle, lightning on a stormy night, mad scientists, ghoulish creatues haunting graveyards, the laboratory with bubbling test tubes....BOF has it all. And what a story, as a mate is made for the lonely monster. James Whale used wicked humor to tell a tale of unrequited love. Dr. Pretorious is the quintessential mad scientist, as is Colin Clive. Watch for the scene in the laboratory where they are making the bride. It is sheer genius, complete with the "terrific storm", kites and the evil equipment, as the body is raised, I become 7 years old again, a fascinated child once again! And the musical score is haunting. The end is especially tragic as the audience begins to root for the creature. They may truly "belong dead" but this beautiful piece of cinematic history will live forever.
Rating: Summary: the crowning peak of Frankenstein's genius! Review: Much has been said in praise of this well-beloved horror classic, and all of the praise is deserved. If only Universal would search its vaults for the edited-out footage and release a special "Director's cut" edition! From whatever angle you approach this film -- acting, script, set design, photography, music, direction --- the word "genius" is the only word that comes to mind. This is the only film that manages to be both satirical and frightening without cutting its own throat. I must have seen this movie almost a thousand times throughout my life, and I never get tired of it. This is truly a movie you can age with. Buy it; you'll never regret it.
Rating: Summary: "The Bride of Frankenstein" on DVD Review: "The Bride of Frankenstein" is the greatest horror film of all time, (maybe next to "Psycho) but certainly not the scariest. Far surpassing the orginal "Frankenstein", this top-notch film starts where the first left off. As Dr. Frankenstein is taken back home from the burning windmill to rest, his new bride awaits. The "monster" is still at large and a curious Dr. Pretorious aproaches Dr. Frankenstein about creating a new monster. But this film is really a lot more than what it seems. James Whale's film is poetic, humourous, and much more of a personal film than its predecessor. Borris Karloff's turn as "the Monster" is a very nuanced performance and one that I can identify with. This is a great film, but definitely enhanced when you have also seen the original "Frankenstein" and the recent "Gods and Monsters." The DVD of "The Bride of Frankenstein" is great, especially for a film from 1935. This is the best print I have ever seen of this film, and the sound is pretty good too. There are three major special features on this DVD. The first is the theatrical trailer, which is pretty standard now, but nice to see. The second major special feature is a documentary titled, "She's Alive!: Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein'." This documentary runs about half an hour, is very informative, and includes many interesting things about the amking of the film. The prize feature on this DVD though, is the commentary by film historian Scott McQueen. Mr. McQueen gives a stream of fascinating information about the production of the film, the director, the cast, and the film industry of that time. This really is just one of the best commentaries ever recorded. By the way, if you're a Mary Shelley purist you probably won't ejoy this film or any of the other old "Frankenstein" films. They are nothing like the novel, and they aren't supposed to be This DVD is great for any fan of Whale or Karloff, or if you're just a movie buff.
Rating: Summary: a cult classic Review: Elsa Lanchester and Boris Karloff star in the witty horror classic THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, a delicious tale of revenge and maddening terror. Elsa Lanchester plays the dual roles of Mary Shelley (the auther) and The Bride. She is truly one marvellous character actress, and turns in great performances as both. Boris Karloff (billed simply as "Karloff" in the credits) is a joy as The Monster created by Frankenstein and the crazy Dr Pretorius. Valerie Hobson is also great as Frankenstein's wife. A remarkable film in it's day, and expertly directed by James Whale, THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN has a great appeal.
Rating: Summary: Marvellous horror fantasy Review: Classic film; possibly the best of the Universal Horror films from it's era, though to be honest it's often more comedy than horror! The monster, who miraculously survived the fire at the end of the original, wanders the contryside evading the pack of hunters on his trail. He seeks refuge at the house of a blind hermit, the only person who showes him compassion by providing him with hospitality and the skill of speech. Meanwhile, Frankenstein and another genius/madman are busy creating a mate for the monster. This dual narrative is what gives the film it's solidity and makes it even better than the original, and the final ten minutes - involving the mates' creation - is a magnificent scene. Brilliantly directed, packed full of great ideas including a prologue featuring Mary Shelley, and a scene demonstrating the second doctors' previous creations, tiny people kept in glass jars. Don't miss this one!
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