Bride of Frankenstein

Bride of Frankenstein



It’s not often that sequels are more popular than the originals. Especially if your sequel happens to follow a Classic horror tale such as Frankenstein. But, in a recent poll by Empire Magazine, Bride of Frankenstein rated high in the top 500 movies of all time.

The story cleverly starts with Mary Shelley describing to her husband and Lord Byron what happened after the monster was supposedly killed. The crowd of incensed torch-wielding villagers are disbanding, going home after the night’s excitement. One villager isn’t convinced though, so he searches the debris for the Monster’s body. Well, it wouldn’t be a long film if he didn’t find the Monster alive and well. After dispatching the villager and his wife, the Monster(Boris Karloff) runs for safety.

Meanwhile, another victim of the fire, Baron Frankenstein recovers from being dead, much to the surprise of his grieving wife. He vows never to play god again.
Unfortunately, Doctor Pretorious has other ideas. Frankenstein’s old teacher needs him to help create a female version of the monster. Initially rebuffed, Pretorious convinces the Monster to persuade Frankenstein by kidnapping his wife.

Together the doctors create the iconic Bride with devastating results.

At first glance, the plot seems predictable, but quickly throws you off course. The story is more about the Monster’s desire for friends than it is about creating him a mate. One scene shows him discover an old blind man, who welcomes him in and treats him like a brother. It’s genuinely heartbreaking to see how their company ends.

The monster’s only drive is acceptance, even though he kills quite a few people along the way. It reflects the doctors drive to create life in many respects. Their goals are noble, but the methods they use only result in disaster.

Karloff is limited to the range of the Monster’s vocabulary, which are a few words and a series of groans. All the sympathy comes from his expressions and mannerisms which he captures perfectly. Colin Clive plays the Baron as a tormented genius, choosing between love and his dreams of greatness. When Pretorious makes both goals the same, using his wife for blackmail, Frankenstein is released from his bind and takes to the experiment with vigour.

This is a complex and layered story that benefits from repeat viewings, making it worthy of the rare title Superior Sequel.

Verdict 9/10
It loses one point for Pretorious’ miniature King and Queen.