IMDb >
Frankenstein (1931)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsFrankenstein (1931) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 46 | slideshow) | Videos (see all 4) |
          |
|
Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
21 November 1931 (USA)
more
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
Plot Keywords:
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)
(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) | Colin Clive | ... | Dr. Henry Frankenstein |
| Mae Clarke | ... | Elizabeth |
| John Boles | ... | Victor Moritz |
 | Boris Karloff | ... | The Monster (as ?) |
| Edward Van Sloan | ... | Dr. Waldman |
| Frederick Kerr | ... | Baron Frankenstein |
| Dwight Frye | ... | Fritz |
| Lionel Belmore | ... | Herr Vogel |
| Marilyn Harris | ... | Little Maria |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
71 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
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
Filming Locations:
Company:
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:
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
more (227 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Frankenstein (1931) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Bride of Frankenstein | Young Frankenstein | The Curse of Frankenstein | The Revenge of Frankenstein | Frankenstein |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb top 250 movies | IMDb Horror section |
| IMDb USA section | Add this title to MyMovies |
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.