Another of Universal's most legendary films, and another film based on a book, starring Boris Karloff in his most famous role of all, Frankenstein is a horror/science fiction film with a great preceding reputation. The film opens up with a rather bold claim to being possibly too disturbing to the audience, and they should leave if they have any fears, and then shows the cast credits with everyone but The Monster's actor shown. Which is a bit odd, but whatever.
We witness the tale of Victor Frankenstein and his assistant Fritz as they grave-rob and rob-rob various body parts from people and places all in the name of science, seeking to create life and leave their stamp on history. The obsessive secretive nature of Victor begins to concern his loved ones, so his bride-to-be, best friend, and mentor come to see what he is up to only to witness the madman bringing his creation to life in a scene that is quoted even unto this day.
It's aliiiiiii—*cough*—iiiiiiive!
From here on, the Monster (Boris Karloff) is the star of the show, showing his child-like and non-understanding nature as he explores this world he is within, but he has too much terrible strength which causes troubles for everyone around. Victor feels that he's a failure, as the Monster is out of control and doesn't seem to be getting the hang of things too well, but is unaware of the torment that Fritz is putting the creature through with fire and whips. Eventually, Fritz gets what's coming to him, and thus Victor gets the help of his mentor in putting the Monster down so that he could marry his love in peace and continue on with his life. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned, having the mentor be killed, and the confused Monster bumbles around and killing people in unfortunate circumstances. This gets the townspeople all up in a dander, so they hunt him down, eventually cornering the Monster in a windmill and burning him to death. Or did they?
The film is a great work with many memorable scenes and quotes. There are a few odd spots of weird audio, but that may just be due to the degradation of the film before it was able to be put to digital media. Another classic film that film buffs ought to not pass up on the chance to partake of.
