Frankenstein contra el monstruo

The last entry in Hammer's legendary Frankenstein cycle by far isn't the best one, but it probably is the most appealing chapter to enthusiast horror buffs due to the excessive use of blood and ugly make-up effects. "Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell" is the direct successor of "Frankenstein must be destroyed", since Jimmy Sangster's "Horror of Frankenstein" introduced a different lead-actor (Ralph Bates) and repeated the initial premise of the infamous baron. Terence Fisher's grand finale is set entirely in a mental asylum where good old Peter Cushing continues his deviant experiments undercover. He changed his name to Dr. Viktor and receives help from a gifted new-arrival who got convicted for committing the exact same sorcery-crimes (although Frankenstein considers it science). In their private asylum-chambers, the doctors create new life using the brains and body parts of unfortunate patients of the asylum. Although good campy fun nonetheless, this film slightly disappoints compared to its predecessors. I feel like Fisher could have used the grim asylum setting much better and even Cushing's characters isn't as 'evil' as it was in the other films. Simon Helder – Frankenstein's partner in crime – is entirely listless and Madeline Smith doesn't do much either, aside from looking really cute. The monster doesn't evoke feelings of fright and he actually looks more like a fugitive cast-member of the "Planet of the Apes"-series. On the other hand, you could say that this installment is one of the better since the scenery is raw and the monster is more repellent looking. There are some really nasty killings in this film and the medical experiments are extremely graphic (a gratuitous brain-transplant, anyone?). Purely talking trivia, this also is an interesting film as it was Terence Fisher's last directing achievement. This great director easily was one of the genre's most important icons, with on his repertoire most films of both the Frankenstein and Dracula franchises as well as some other milestones like "The Devil Rides Out" and "The Mummy". His last film (Fisher passed away in 1980) is great entertainment and nothing more.

Hammer's last Frankenstein outing is one of their best; despite the great sadness that went in its production (inherent in the film's overall effect but thankfully not swamped by it), the film emerges as a pretty solid and well-crafted chiller with a remarkable Gothic flavor (all the more impressive for being made on such shoddy finances - the film allegedly carried one of the companies' lowest-ever budgets!).

Script and direction keep the action of the plot moving, despite the necessarily cramped settings. Peter Cushing and Terence Fisher's own personal state of minds create a poignant, almost elegiac ode to Gothic horror: this was to prove their final collaboration (indeed, it was Fisher's very last film). The camera-work, James Bernard's score and the production design all contribute to make this a true harking-back to the heyday of Hammer horror (in view of the fact that a lot of changes were effected during the early 70s with varying degrees of success); still, along with BLOOD FROM THE MUMMY'S TOMB (1971), DR. JEKYLL AND SISTER HYDE (1971), DEMONS OF THE MIND (1972) and CAPTAIN KRONOS - VAMPIRE HUNTER (1974), this is one of the last great Hammer films.

The Baron had evolved a great deal during his sixteen-year period at Hammer (producing seven films in all, only one of which did not feature Peter Cushing and only two were not helmed by Terence Fisher), reaching its zenith perhaps in FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED (1969) where virtually no trace of humanity could be detected in the character! This final venture finds him more relaxed (or, perhaps, I should say resigned) but certainly no saner or less involved with his obsessive quest to achieve immortality!! The rest of the cast is equally admirable: Shane Briant, one of Hammer's bright young hopefuls, building upon his achievements in both DEMONS OF THE MIND and CAPTAIN KRONOS - VAMPIRE HUNTER; Madeleine Smith graces the screen with her presence, managing to give her character (an abused mute inmate) an inner strength and compassion that would normally be difficult to communicate without words; Dave Prowse's monster is a memorably designed hulk (somewhat overdone in the style of Fredric March's Hyde persona in the 1931 version of DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE) but who unreservedly elicits the audience's sympathy because, saddled with numerous body parts that do not belong to him, he is forced to go on living when his sole desire (possessing an ugly interior as well as exterior) was to end it all!; a few supporting characters are allowed to shine as well, notably Patrick Troughton, John Stratton and Bernard Lee.

The DVD transfer is stunning, especially in widescreen. However, Paramount really dropped the ball by opting to release the edited U.S. version: I have to agree with those who condemned them for it, because the missing footage (the artery clamping scene chief among them - as it stands now, the dialogue follows on too hurriedly, making the cut extremely obvious; the scene was not particularly graphic, but it certainly amplified the Baron's character and his dedication to his work) is certainly important and, if anything, helps keep the film's pace balanced as the 'stitching' together of scenes {sic} is awkwardly handled on more than one occasion (see also Bernard Lee's funeral, where Cushing suddenly appears beside the coffin when it is dropped to the ground); similarly, the climax is marred by the loss of footage where the inmates tear the monster apart (on the DVD it would seem that the monster was entirely made up of bits and pieces of flesh, so easily is he dismembered, when we know full well this isn't so!); interestingly, however, though all these bits of added gore are to be found on my murky full-screen VHS, one shot from the DVD is not in fact present - the slashed throat of the John Stratton character!

The Audio Commentary is an immensely enjoyable and lively talk: though the subject matter wanders alarmingly, the relationship between the three participants is so genuine that one cannot help but be drawn into their reminiscences, opinions and idle chatter; indeed, I'd go so far as to say that it's perhaps the best Commentary on a Hammer DVD I've heard!

"Frankenstein And The Monster From Hell" of 1974 is the final entry to Hammer's Frankenstein series, director Terence Fisher's last film, and arguably the goriest Hammer production (maybe along with "Scars Of Dracula" from 1971). The last Frankenstein film from Hammer is a vastly underrated, grim, eerie and excellent finale to the fantastic series, and it is fun to see how Baron Viktor Frankenstein (brilliantly played by Peter Cushing) becomes more and more insane and ruthless throughout the series. While he was just a dedicated scientist who had to use some macabre methods to achieve his goals intended for common welfare in the first features, Baron Francenstein is absolutely obsessed with the idea of resurrecting the dead, and has hardly any scruples in the pursuit of his objectives in this final feature of the Frankenstein series. Still, Frankenstein could not be described as a 'villain'. Some of his goals are still noble, he hates unnecessary cruelty, and he is certain to act in common interest of mankind. His obsessions, however have increased and become more extreme...

Doctor Simon Helder (Shane Briant) is an enthusiastic reader of the works of ingenious scientist Baron Victor Frankenstein. When he gets caught with snatched body parts, which he needs for his own attempts to create a human being, he is sentenced to imprisonment in an insane asylum, managed by an incompetent and perverted director and a bunch of sadistic guards. The only kind-hearted person in the asylum seems to be Sarah (Madleine Smith), a young woman who doesn't speak, and who is referred to as 'Angel'. Soon after Simon's arrival, however, the guards' sadistic practices are brought to an end by the mysterious Doctor Victor. And you can take a hard guess what Dr. Victor's real name is...

Peter Cushing once again delivers a wonderful performance as Baron Victor Frankenstein. Beautiful Madleine Smith also fits very well in her role of Sarah, and Shane Briant plays his role of Simon well. Observant Hammer-fans might recognize the man who plays the bodysnatcher, Patrick Throughton, for his role of Christopher Lee's vassal in "Scars Of Dracula".

"Frankenstein And The Monster From Hell" is a great, vastly underrated Horror flick that should not be missed by a Hammer-fan. The setting in the insane asylum, the typical Hammer score, photography and atmosphere and Peter Cushing's great performance make this movie a must-see for a lover of Horror. Highly recommended!

In this last movie of Hammer Studios' Frankenstein, Peter Cushing proves once again why he is perfect as the Baron. The plot is sometimes confusing, but works well. It moves fast and smooth like the movie Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed, but unlike The Evil of Frankenstein. In comparison to Destroyed, this movie ranks right up there with it. A good cast and script helps this movie entirely. In comparison to Evil, this movie beats it to a pulp. The Evil of Frankenstein was a disgrace, but Cushing's performence makes up for the plot entirely. All in all, Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell is a good, solid film that might be confusing to some, but is great for a late night movie.

Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell for me is one of the weaker films from the Hammer Frankenstein series- Horror's the weakest with Evil second weakest- but that is not meant to be disparaging, just that I preferred Curse, Revenge, Destroyed and Created Woman.

Unlike the previous films the low-budget unfortunately does show in the production values especially with the Monster and the brains. The costumes are very stylish and while the sets are claustrophobic considering the setting that was actually appropriate and there is still the Gothic touch. However the photography is not quite as tight this time round(it is brilliant though in the scene where the Monster digs up the graves through a lightning storm, which is one of Hammer's most Gothic scenes) and the Monster make-up/costume despite being intentionally hideous and somewhat the most monster-like also looks a little ridiculous. Cushing also inexplicably wears a wig that doesn't suit him, and even he thought so.

However Fisher's direction is as taut as ever, never diluting the atmosphere there is and the music score is appropriately eerie. The script has the odd bit of wit and is very literate, the odd tired spot on just a few occasions but that is all. The story returns to the Gothic roots of Hammer's 50s output, in a nostalgic and affectionate way without being outdated at all. It is compellingly told and while the goriest of the seven Frankenstein films it's not in a gratuitous or over-utilised way; it's also not just suspenseful and at times creepy but it is movingly melancholic too especially with the open ending. It also does a better job showing and exploring the relationship between a mute girl and the monster than in Evil of Frankenstein, there is a rape scene but off-screen and unlike that in Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed it was handled with taste and served more of a point in the storytelling and interplay between Frankenstein and Helder is a delight.

The performances are uniformly great. Shane Briant gives a restrained performance while always engaging and Madeline Smith is really touching communicating with just her face, body language and eyes. John Stratton is wonderfully slimy and David Prowse acquits himself far better than he did in Horror of Frankenstein, here he is very formidable but I did find myself taking pity on the monster as well(none of which were apparent in his performance in Horror). The acting honours do go to Peter Cushing whose performance brims with authority and he's also quite moving, both from his appearance and that it was the last time he played the Doctor/Baron. Look out also for Bernard Lee and Patrick Troughton. All in all, a solid Hammer Frankenstein film and a very fitting end to the series and for Terence Fisher. From the title, you'd think it'd be cheesy and amateurish but it's anything but. 8/10 Bethany Cox