La Maison de Frankenstein

Dr. Gustav Newmann (Boris Karloff) is jailed for accusation as a body snatcher. He breaks-out and along with hunchback Daniel (J.Carroll Naish) take the ¨chamber of horrors showside¨ of Professor Lampini (George Zucco) containing the skeleton of count Dracula (John Carradine) . They are going to Frankenstein's village and later they return to Vesaria . His aim is taking the experiments on life of the deceased Henry Frankestein found into archives of the castle . The doctor tries some scientific experiments to cure various Universal monsters but results that their bad habits emerge again . The second half has them dealing with the werewolf called Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney) and monster Frankenstein (Glen Strange in his first appearance as monster) . Meanwhile , the hunchback falls in love with a Zingara (Elena Verdugo) and developing a loving triangle with the werewolf , the beast marked for the pentagram .

The classic player of horror movies Boris Karloff is magnificent and his strong portrayal of the scientific attempting to create a new monster changing brains is awesome . Filmmaker Erl C. Kenton creates some really chilling scenes, with amazing moments , and several powerful images, especially when the creatures are reborn , including an interesting and twisted script . ¨Frankenstein¨and ¨The bride of Frankenstein¨ by James Whale were the definitive expressionist Gothic Horror movies that set the mold for successive terror movies just like this ¨House of Frankentein¨and many others . Atmospheric , slick terror film , creaky at times but it's still impressive . Film displays excellent set design , ambitious screenplay with too many monsters and enjoyable and sensitive interpretation of all casting . Lon Chaney Jr.'s top-notch acting in the role which made him a terror movie legend . J Carroll Naish is excellent as a hunchback similar to Igor . The movie is also called ¨The Zingara and the monsters¨, as the title suggests , various of Universal's most famous monsters confront and fight each other . Creepy and adjusted music by Hans J. Salter and eerie black and white cinematography , filled with lights and shades . The motion picture was well directed Erle C. Kenton who already directed various horror films . The prequel was ¨Frankestein meet the wolf man¨ and was followed by a sequel : ¨House of Dracula¨.

The movie begins with evil Dr. Gustav Niemann and his sidekick, Daniel roaming the countryside doing evil and making a few bucks on the side. It's a simple life traveling the countryside and creating mayhem, but somebody's gotta do it, right?! Well, the maniacal doctor has a lot of unforeseen luck, as he stumbles first upon the skeleton of Dracula (who he wisely decides to revive). For some odd reason, the long-dead Dracula comes back not as Bela Lugosi but John Carradine. While a decent enough villain, it just made no sense why Lugosi didn't reprise the role. Anyway, they later discover the Frankenstein monster and the Wolfman frozen in a cave (since their last film) and spend much of their time trying to revive them--so they can kick butt and spread terror. Well, they did not foresee that the Wolfman, when in the form of nice-guy Larry Talbot, didn't want to spread terror and death (shucks). Well, the plan is shot and evil is thwarted. Cool.

Strengths of the film are the evil doctor--he's a really nasty menace, having three monsters instead of the usual one and the fact that it is a Universal horror film with all its campy fun. The weaknesses are that the series is getting a little old, the pathos concerning Daniel falling for the gypsy girl is a tad annoying, and John Carradine just isn't and never could be Dracula!

House of Frankenstein was the first of the monster free for alls with all three Universal monster legends, the Frankenstein monster, the wolfman, and Dracula. It is not the most coherent story around, but you won't care because the film has a brisk pace, imaginative scenes, creative sets, and some first-rate acting. Boris Karloff plays a doctor in the Dr. Frankenstein tradition trying to resurrect the Monster and appease the wolfman by finding him a path to death. He is the epitome of evil and has no moral compass whatsoever. Karloff does a fine job in his role, and Lon Chaney, as ever saddened at his lunar plight, does a wonderful job again as Larry Talbot(his third time in the role). Glenn Strange plays the monster..and plays him well although really has little to do in the film till the last five minutes. Dracula is played by John Carradine. The shining stars of the cast, however, are J. Carroll Naish playing a poor murdering hunchback with low self-esteem, and the bubbly and beautiful Elena Verdugo as a gypsy girl. Naish gives a very poignant portrayal. Look for cameos by Lionel Atwill and George Zucco(wish his part had been larger). House of Frankenstein is a great film in the Universal tradition of its monsters and mayhem. One of its other outstanding virtues is its famous score.

Instead of being the usual "monster-fest", the film focuses on Boris Karloff, who uses the creatures to murder the people who sent him to an asylum.

The "Dracula" bit (in the beginning of the film) doesn't quite seem to "fit" the film; it looks as if it was added as an after-thought. (Plus, Carradine's Dracula is VERY "sloppy" about self-preservation; he is "discovred" and destroyed in the very beginning of the film. I don't think that LUGOSI'S Dracula would've let that happen! I wonder if that's why Lugosi

didn't play Dracula).

A new "twist" is added to the "killing a werewolf with a silver bullet" theme....it must be done by someone "who loves him enuff to do it".

The Frankenstein monster is "wasted", too -- only coming to life in the last 10 mins. of the film.

But, forget all it's shortcomings. Just sit back and enjoy Karloff's performance. (I like the bit where he tries to strangle the asylum guard for a piece of chalk!).

An "odd little film". Norm

I grew up in the 60s, and my dad introduced me to the Universal Horror movies through TV reruns. Among the attractions: the mysterious atmosphere, the B&W photography, the convincing and committed performances, the occasional wit and humor. These films never fail to please me and put me in a good mood, and this one is one of my favorites. Lots of fun with the monsters, moods and music. Call me old-fashioned, but I'd rather watch just one of these old chestnuts than a year's worth of Freddies, Jasons, etc.