IMDb > Frankenstein (1931)
Frankenstein
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Frankenstein (1931) More at IMDbPro »

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Frankenstein (1931) -- Horror classic in which an obsessed scientist assembles a living being from parts of exhumed corpses.
Frankenstein (1931) -- Movieplayer.it - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 29% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Contact:
View company contact information for Frankenstein on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
21 November 1931 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
A Monster Science Created - But Could Not Destroy! more
Plot:
Horror classic in which an obsessed scientist assembles a living being from parts of exhumed corpses. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
1 win more
NewsDesk:
(54 articles)
Vampires Unite for Halloween in Sin City
 (From Extra. 1 November 2009, 7:55 AM, PST)

Hollywood's Scariest Characters!
 (From Extra. 21 October 2009, 12:23 PM, PDT)

User Comments:
Dated-yes, scary-sure, must see-absolutely ! more (227 total)

Cast

  (Complete credited cast)

Additional Details

Runtime:
71 min
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Sound System)
Certification:
UK:A (original rating) (cut) | UK:PG (video rating) (2002) | Canada:PG (Manitoba/Ontario) | UK:PG (video rating) (1986) (cinema version) (cut) | Finland:K-15 (2004) | Iceland:16 | Spain:13 | South Korea:12 | Canada:(Banned) (Quebec) (original rating) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Norway:16 (video rating) | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Germany:16 | Sweden:15 | USA:Unrated

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
By the time the ending of the film was changed, allowing Henry Frankenstein to live, Colin Clive was no longer available for additional scenes. For the shot of Henry in long shot in the bedroom behind his father, he was played by another actor; tradition has long held that it was future cowboy star Robert Livingston filling in for him. more
Goofs:
Revealing mistakes: Huge streaks are visible across the clouded sky during the chase at the end of the film, making the presence of a backdrop very obvious. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
Dr. Henry Frankenstein: Down! Down, you fool!
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Fade to Black (1980) more

FAQ

How many Universal Studios "Frankenstein" sequels followed this movie?
When is it acceptable to call Frankenstein's monster "Frankenstein"?
Is "Frankenstein" based on a book?
more
29 out of 35 people found the following comment useful.
Dated-yes, scary-sure, must see-absolutely !, 20 March 1999
9/10
Author: Donald J. Lamb from Philadelphia, PA

James Whale's original FRANKENSTEIN is a short but memorable horror classic that has influenced so many other fright flicks, it should be considered the Godfather of Horror Movies. This was the first of Universal Studios' moody screen adaptations of literary Gothic horror (the other being Dracula). Put all thoughts regarding Mary Shelly's novel aside and see this original work of art, with Boris Karloff bringing the ultimate monster to life.

The sets are a pure spin off of German Expressionism. The good Doctor Frankenstein's castle is twisted and distorted and seems to be not of this world. He is played by Colin Clive in a delightfully freakish performance. And, of course, the well-proportioned Fritz is there to help. Notice the signposts of evil in the opening grave robbing scenes. It is a prop-master's dream and the black and white photography displays a theatrical sense of spookiness. "It's Alive!" will live forever as one of the cinema's most familiar lines and the picture begins to sparkle as Karloff is brought to life. The influence of Fritz Lang's METROPOLIS is evident during the dazzling scene of the Monster's birth.

Boris Karloff is and always will be the prototypical Monster. The closeups of his face are truly frightening after all these years. He is walking death, however, Karloff gives him a hint of sadness, of a creature who was not meant to be. The flower-toss scene with the little girl was so controversial at the time of the film's release, it was cut from many versions. The new, restored print available on video has it.

I know FRANKENSTEIN has been spoofed many times and is wide-open to criticism regarding its dated look. Mel Brooks went so far as to use the actual props from Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory in his hilarious send-up, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Be sure to keep an open mind and watch it in the dark. Boris Karloff and James Whale have created a monstrously fun film.

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