1931’s Frankenstein is as important to the development of the genre as Psycho and Peeping Tom, and I’ll be writing about it later this month. The 1935 sequel is the superior film experience in most every way. Sporting a bigger budget, lighter on its feet, and featuring TWO mad scientists, Boris Karloff giving the most soulful performance from The Monster and Elsa Lanchester’s instantly iconic Bride, even though she’s only on screen for a few minutes.
What’s most striking is the sympathy given to The Monster along with a feeling of class. Not only does Karloff get to speak, he also drinks wine, listens to classical music and memorably smokes a cigar. The Monster is desperate for kindmess and has a growing need for female companionship. Despite layers of makeup, Karloff’s expressive eyes still convey the monster’s feelings without words.
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