The Horror of Frankenstein [Blu-ray]

Overview

Victor Frankenstein (Ralph Bates) is the son of the Count who plans his father's demise. He inherits the castle and the comely housekeeper (Kate O'Mara) who doubles as his mistress. Soon Victor is busy murdering people to build his monster (David Prowse). His victims include his neighbor, his housekeeper, a gravedigger, a professor and his best friend. He patches the various body parts together to make his horrible creation in this horror story with a good dose of comedy.

Product Details

Release Date:	08/20/2019
UPC:	0826663200980
Original Release:	1970
Rating:	R
Source:	Shout Factory
Region Code:	A
Language:	English
Time:	1:35:00
Sales rank:	16,400

Special Features

Presented in two Aspect Ratios - 1.85:1 & 1.66:1; New Audio Commentary by Film Historian Bruce G. Hallenbeck; "Gallows Humor: Inside Horror of Frankenstein"; Audio Commentary with Jimmy Sangster and Hammer Films Historian Marcus Hearn; Vintage Interview with actress Veronica Carlson ; Theatrical Trailer

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Ralph Bates	Actor
Kate O'Mara	Actor
Graham James	Actor
Veronica Carlson	Actor
Bernard Archard	Elizabeth's Father
Dennis Price	Grave Robber
Joan Rice	Grave Robber's Wife
David Prowse	The Monster
Jon Finch	Henry Becker
James Hayter	Bailiff
Malcolm Williamson	Composer
James Bernard	Composer

Technical Credits

Mary Shelley

Jimmy Sangster	Director,Producer
Mary Shelley	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

This oft-forgotten film from Hammer's later years is one of this company's more memorable efforts from this periods. The horror satire is one of the most difficult subgenres of the horror film to pull off but Jimmy Sangster manages to make Horror Of Frankenstein work thanks to a script that utilizes all the classic Frankenstein conventions while also satirizing them in a mordantly funny fashion. Sangster's direction lacks the gothic flair of a Terence Fisher but his sense of comic timing is sharp and he maintains a tight pace throughout. His work is further aided by an effective set of performances highlighted by Ralph Bates' turn as Victor Frankenstein: Bates brings a heavy dose of sarcasm and lasciviousness to this usually dry and asexual archetype to create a character that is seductive and terrifying all at once. The other performances pale in comparison to his work but Kate O'Mara also turns in a worthwhile performance as the Baron's servant-cum-mistress, blending sexiness and servant-class street smarts in an alluring style. On the downside, Horror Of Frankenstein runs out of steam during its third act and suffers from a finale lacks the slam-bang punch that would have closed the film out in style. Despite these problems, Horror Of Frankenstein remains a solid, often surprising film that is perfect for horror fans who can appreciate a few sly laughs being mixed in with the usual chills.

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