The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster

This is a brief overview of the making of the 1931 "Frankenstein," which comes in video collections of the Universal film, so it's not a significant waste of time, and it's probably interesting for those who aren't seeking an abundance of information on the subject. For me, however, I've re-read Mary Shelley's novel, read various books and articles about it and the film adaptations and seen near 50 such Frankenstein films by now, so this little documentary wasn't particularly rewarding.

Yet, I did learn something, but it's regarding the 1910 Edison company short "Frankenstein," which the video explains took its Jekyll-and-Hyde-like doppelgänger theme of the scientist and creature being reflections of each other from stage versions of the story. Otherwise, David J. Skal and company spend the 45-some minutes mostly praising the 1931 film, citing individual contributions from the likes of Dwight Frye, Boris Karloff, Jack Pierce, Ken Strickfaden and James Whale, and briefly mentioning Shelley's novel and its theatrical adaptations. A few clips are shown from other Universal movies, from the original monster movies to the Whale biopic "Gods and Monster" (1998), which has the unfortunate appearance of them trying to sell us more home videos. A brief montage of the Hammer Frankenstein series is also given, although Universal has been involved in distributing at least some of those films, as well. An exception to the parade of praise are some slight criticisms by film historian Paul Jensen of some plot contrivances.

I'm not sure if I prefer this video's attempts to ingratiate "Frankenstein" or Skal leading the charge to degrade the English-language 1931 "Dracula" in "The Road to Dracula" (1999).

Frankenstein Files, The (1999)

**** (out of 4)

Terrific documentary that was released on the initial DVD release of FRANKENSTEIN back in 1999. Film historian David J. Skal directs as well as hosts this documentary that takes a look at the making of Universal's FRANKENSTEIN and the different directions it took. We hear about how Bela Lugosi was originally set to play the monster but he passed and then we hear how Boris Karloff was discovered. The documentary also goes into detail about certain issues people had with the film and what parts would eventually have to be cut out in future releases. Rick Baker, Rudy Behlmer, Bill Condon, Sara Karloff, Dwight David Frye, Donald Glut, Richard Gordon, Greg Mank and Paul M. Jensen are just a few of the folks interviewed and all have rather interesting comments and ideas about the film. I think the best aspect of this documentary is that we get a pretty good history of the film and I'm sure those unfamiliar with the movie will see it in a different light. Having the children of Karloff and Frye are hand was pretty nice even though neither one of them were actually on the set when the movies were being made. Another major plus is that we get a few brief discussions on the sequels but Universal would give BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN its own documentary. I doubt die- hard fans are going to learn anything new here but it's still a very entertaining and pleasant documentary that does everything you'd want it to (except turn up the lost Lugosi test footage, of course).

Included with Universal's excellent Frankenstein DVD. Film historian David J. Skal hosts this documentary about the 1931 classic. Filmmakers, film historians, and writers discuss the novel and its many dramatic and film incarnations (at least Universal's long series). Discussions include the influence of German impressionist filmmakers on Hollywood horror movies, make-up, and the actors. Sara Karloff, daughter of the actor, is one of the many interviewees.