'Son of Frankenstein' review by MartialHorror.

Source: http://freewebs.com/mhsof

Please check out the site!

THE SON OF FRANKENSTEIN(1938)
(Directed by Rowland V. Lee)

"Three of the greatest horror icons go face to face to face!"- Signed by MartialHorror.

Plot: Frankenstein’s son, Wolf von Frankenstein, returns to his Fathers castle in order to inherit his estate. The villagers aren’t too pleased about it, afraid he will create a monster like his Father did. Instead, when Wolf discovers the monster alive- but in a coma- he decides to resurrect the beast.

Review:

Part of me wishes to go back and rewatch the original 1931 classic, “Frankenstein”, as well as its much lauded sequel “Bride of Frankenstein”. I did like both movies, although the first one feels like a glorified B-Movie. I especially felt the sequel captured some superb drama, and I truly felt for the monster. But unfortunately, both of them are outdated. I know, I know, it’s a horrible argument to use against any film. It simply is not fair, but it is hard for most modern day viewers to embrace the films like they were embraced back in the 1930’s. But the worst attack on these films was “Young Frankenstein”, which lampooned them too well. Scenes that were once scary and intense are now almost amusing because of it. But I do feel I probably would appreciate both films more if I saw them again(especially with “Bride of Frankenstein”). Now that I’ve finally saw the third film of the trilogy, “Son of Frankenstein”, I feel that my opinion of the first two can be improved. This is a good movie, but it is the weakest of the trilogy.

The story takes place many years after the events of the first film. It follows Wolf von Frankenstein(Basil Rathbone), the son Frankenstein, who has returned to his Father’s estate with his wife and son. The village, remembering Frankenstein’s monster, are openly hostile to him, which upsets him greatly. Wolf wants to redeem his Father’s image, and gets his chance when Ygor(Bela Lugosi), a criminal with a broken neck, reveals to Wolf that Frankenstein’s Monster(Boris Karloff) is alive, but in a coma. When Wolf finds the Monster, he decides to wake him up and wishes to cure his mind. He succeeds, but Ygor has his own plans for the monster.

The films most notable criticism is that Karloff’s monster is given less to do this time around. In the previous film, the monster had developed to the point where he was pretty much a human being…..Just a lot stronger. Here, he’s back to his old grunting ways, although Karloff still makes it work. But really, the end result was that this is ultimately a rehash of the first film. In my opinion, the Monster should’ve become a doomed hero, and maybe they could get Lugosi to play Dracula or something. But hell, this is what we got and I feel they did a pretty good job with it.

Of course, you have to deal with certain issues of the time. The acting occasionally is hammy, the dialogue even moreso, and there are plenty of talky, expositional scenes that feel like padding and….well, exposition. But the only time I found myself irritated at the movie was with it’s very offbeat ending. The finale is pretty awesome, but what comes after just didn’t feel right, but I won’t spoil it for you.

Luckily, the film turns out to be very well done in the long run. Director Rowland V. Lee might’ve never received the acclaim of James Whale, but he does do just as well. In fact, as a horror film, it might even work a little more. He does give more emphasis on the creepy sets, but he doesn’t do much with the kills, and the dramatic angle isn’t quite as effective. Still, he did a very good job with it, and the finale was pretty spectacular.

But of course, it’s the characters and their actors who make it. Basil Rathbone(Wolf von Frankenstein) clearly was the inspiration for Peter Cushing’s role as the doctor in Hammers “The Curse of Frankenstein”. He gets a very well written role, with the doctor torn between reviving and destroying the monster. Daringly, he begins as someone we really like, but as time goes on, he seems to be losing his mind and we wonder if we should be fearing him. Rathbone does go over-the-top occasionally, but he always made for a captivating character. Bela Lugosi(Ygor) is slightly hampered by the overdone wig and beard, which covers his features too much. But he injects the role with his usual charm and menace. Boris Karloff(the Monster) isn’t in it very much, but he does get a few great scenes, like when he is comparing himself to Frankenstein in the mirror. Karloff has gained a lot of weight though. Special mention goes to Lionel Atwill(Inspector Krogh), who does a great job and deserves to be listed among these bigger starts. Too bad I have little respect for his life choices.

“Son of Frankenstein” is the weakest of the films, but it is still a pretty damn good film. It occasionally is haunting, occasionally is touching, but I enjoyed it mainly because I love watching Rathbone, Karloff and Lugosi play off each other. It’s a film where great actors keep it captivating, and this is why many of the later Frankenstein movies faltered. But after this, I do look forward to watching “The Ghost of Frankenstein”, which came on the same DVD.

Violence: Some death, so it was hardcore for its time. PG rated now.

Nudity: None.

Overall: If you liked the first two, you should watch “Son of Frankenstein”. Of course, most likely you already have. So for the rest of you horror film fans, try watching the first two Frankenstein movies. If you like those enough, then check this out.

3/4 Stars


my reviews of martial arts and horror films
http://freewebs.com/martialhorror