Wed 3 May 2023
A VHS Movie Review by Jonathan Lewis: THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1957).
Posted by Steve under Horror movies , Reviews[6] Comments
THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN. Hammer Films, UK, 1957. Peter Cushing (Victor Frankenstein), Hazel Court, Robert Urquhart. Christopher Lee (The Creature), Melvyn Hayes, Valerie Gaunt. Screenplay: Jimmy Sangster, based on the novel by Mary Shelley. Director: Terence Fisher.
The previous time I had seen Hammer’s Gothic classic, The Curse of Frankenstein, it was at the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles. Screened in glorious 35mm as part of a Halloween lineup, the movie’s aesthetic definitely made an impression on me.
Much like the Universal Monsters films from the 1930s, the Hammer Films have the capacity to transport the viewer into a self-enclosed universe of ghouls and monsters. Everything from the costumes to the lighting works in tandem to create a celluloid dreamworld that is – in my humble opinion – simply unmatched in contemporary horror film-making.
So when I came across a VHS copy, I jumped at the chance. It wasn’t that expensive ($10), and the box is in relatively good condition. Plus, it’s got somewhat atypical cover art that admittedly captures Peter Cushing’s eyes quite well!
Now there’s nothing new under the sun here in terms of storytelling. If you know the Frankenstein story (legend?), then you’re not going to be surprised by all that much. Young Baron Frankenstein (Cushing) hires Paul Krempe (Robert Urquhart), a tutor to help him with his studies. As years go by, Frankenstein emerges as a scientific genius with a penchant for danger.
It doesn’t take long for the tutor to disavow his former student’s desire to create life from death. Complicating matters even further is the entrance of the beautiful Elizabeth (Hazel Court), Frankenstein’s cousin who threatens to pull the mad doctor not only away from his work, but also from the chambermaid he’s been having an affair with!
Christopher Lee doesn’t speak a word, but he’s quite convincing as the scarred, deformed, and ultimately tragic Frankenstein monster – or, as the film credits state, “The Creature.†There’s a great scene in which Baron Frankenstein lords over a chained and terrified Creature, reminding us just who the monster in this movie really is.
I appreciated watching this one on VHS as it allowed me to focus a bit more on the characters than I did when I saw it at the New Beverly. Altogether, well worth the ten bucks.
May 3rd, 2023 at 10:27 pm
I should have added make-up artist Phil Leakey to the list of credits!
May 4th, 2023 at 8:08 am
I enjoyed your take on this one, an important film in the Horror Genre and enjoyable by itself.
May 4th, 2023 at 8:54 am
It’s interesting that Jonathan points to the difference in experiencing the film on vhs versus at the theater and that different aspects are accentuated in different forums. I think that’s true. Just as there’s a difference in reading a book on kindle, listening to an audiobook, reading a vintage paperback or a heavy leatherbound hardcover. I’m not exactly sure if I can define what those differences are–but I feel like they’re there.
Here’s an academic article on the subject:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/243769809_The_role_of_screen_size_in_viewer_experiences_of_media_content
May 4th, 2023 at 10:33 am
I agree. After decades of reading I see a big difference between reading a kindle, listening to an audiobook and reading a real book. I know friends who like the kindle and audio books but I definitely prefer real books, paperbacks, or pulps.
One difference I noticed while commenting on this subject. I tried to read the academic article online link and almost immediately lost interest. A book would have least kept me awake.
May 4th, 2023 at 6:58 pm
My least favorite of the Hammer Horror series, though that’s the mildest of knocks because these are quite good, mostly for Cushing’s hyper active Dr. F, a monster for greater than anything that comes off of his table.
Cushing’s energy in his Hammer films is one of the most notable aspects of them. Whether Frankenstein, Holmes, or Van Helsing he hardly seems able to stay still, the screen seems to struggle to contain him. Snappish, impatient, and often dismissive his persona provides much needed modern energy to the Gothic horrors around him.
May 5th, 2023 at 12:02 am
That’s sharp and perceptive ‘giving due’ to Peter Cushing, a British stalwart who too often went unsung in proportion to what he actually contributed to cinema. Bravo.
He is just that sort of exemplary, self-disciplined, and diligent professional actor who –it might confidently be said –never gave a bad performance.
I enjoy hearing him recalled to memory.