The Bride Of Frankenstein

     Often considered even better than the original "Frankenstein", James Whales' follow-up to his monster 1931 hit is nothing if not fascinating.  "The Bride of Frankenstein" opens with  Percy Shelley and Lord Byron praising Mary Shelley on her frightening "Frankenstein" story, and Mary informing them to pull up a chair because the story's not over.  We flash back to the ending of the original "Frankenstein" with the angry villagers gathering around the remains of the burning windmill.  It's a brilliant way to start the movie.

     Karloff as the Monster speaks for the first time in "Bride", yet Lanchester almost steals the show and creates one of the most iconic characters in movie history as the Bride.  Although only on-screen as the Bride for maybe two minutes at the climax,  she is completely riveting- her darting, almost bird-like movements are incredible.  Colin Clive returns as the mad Dr. Frankenstein, and the creation of the Bride rivals that of the original monster in "Frankenstein".   Ernest Thesinger also steals the show as the eccentric and fully mad Dr. Pretorious, who coaxes the retired Victor Frankenstein back into his evildoings to create a mate for the Monster.

     The movie boasts a wicked sense of black humor, almost spoofing the original at times.  But it works here, and it works well. It's a mish-mash of sexual innuendo, Gothic horror,  and religious imagery. "The Bride of Frankenstein" is considered not only one of the greatest horror movies of all time, but one of the greatest movies, period.  James Whale had a much bigger budget on "Bride", and it shows.  The lavish sets, lighting, and special effects are something to behold, especially in 1935.  It's a masterpiece, and one that's every bit as entertaining as the original "Frankenstein".  Fans continue to argue which is the better film, and I say hogwash. I consider them both to be basically one long movie, as that's how they should be viewed.