In an attempt to reinvent the Frankenstein series, Hammer went back to the beginning with a new Doctor and a more comedic approach.
Victor Frankenstein (Ralph Bates) is a precocious, arrogant lothario who inherits the Baron title when he sabotages his father’s shotgun, leading to his death. As soon as he is back in the family castle, he’s setting up a laboratory to start his experiment to create life from human parts. His old school friend, Elizabeth (Veronica Carlson), moves into his castle when her father’s death leaves her homeless, putting bed-warming maid Alys (Kate O’Mara) feeling pushed out. Meanwhile, Victor’s creation (David Prowse) has gone on a rampage.
Giving writer Jimmy Sangster the director’s seat doesn’t really pay off for Hammer, since his mix of dark humour and horror doesn’t often hit the mark. Ralph Bates is an impressive new addition as the scientist, although Peter Cushing would return to the role in the final Hammer Frankenstein film in 1974. It’s a movie that rewards a revisit, particularly if you’ve not seen it for some years. Prowse’s monster doesn’t get an awful lot to do, only appearing in the final half-hour, but he’s an imposing presence (who gets a wry send-off).
As with the STUDIOCANAL 4K UHD release of Scars of Dracula, The Horror of Frankenstein comes with a rigid slipcase, a perfect-bound booklet, two posters, and a generous array of extras on the disc. These consist of a good mix of material previously available and a new chat between writers Clarisse Loughrey and Isaura Barbé-Brown, who give an enthusiastic appraisal of the movie.
If you’ve never seen The Horror of Frankenstein before, this release is the perfect chance to appreciate it.
THE HORROR OF FRANKENSTEIN is out now on 4K UHD Blu-ray from STUDIOCANAL.
