'The Ghost of Frankenstein' (1942), produced by George Waggner and directed by Erle C. Kenton, is a solid entry in Universal's 'Frankenstein' series, marked by fine production values and generally strong performances from a well-known cast. The film, the fourth in the series, is similar in atmosphere, tone and style to Waggner's 'The Wolf Man', filmed a year earlier.
Cedric Hardwicke turns in an appropriately gruff performance as Dr. Ludwig Frankenstein; Lionel Atwill's Dr. Teddy Bohmer has potential but lacks enthusiasm and ample screen time; and Chaney is unremarkable as the monster. The real star here is Bela Lugosi; his portrayal as the revived Ygor (supposedly shot dead at the end of the previous film, 'Son of Frankenstein') is arguably one of his best, most delicious roles. Stubborn and extremely manipulative, Ygor is the catalyst for most of the story's evil deeds. He's also the sole source of humor, albeit dark, in an otherwise serious, gloomy film.
'Ghost' does take a while to get to the crux of its wild story, but when it does it's delightful. You see, Ygor has an ambitious plan: He longs to have his brain put into the monster's body so that he may live forever and reign over all the b*******s he so hates (i.e. everyone)! But before this can happen, the new doc must first juice up the monster with a little lightning in order to rejuvenate him for the upcoming surgery. 'Ghost' is the last solid, worthwhile entry in Universal's 'Frank' series (before things became quite silly) and is recommended viewing, esp. for Lugosi fans.
Cedric Hardwicke turns in an appropriately gruff performance as Dr. Ludwig Frankenstein; Lionel Atwill's Dr. Teddy Bohmer has potential but lacks enthusiasm and ample screen time; and Chaney is unremarkable as the monster. The real star here is Bela Lugosi; his portrayal as the revived Ygor (supposedly shot dead at the end of the previous film, 'Son of Frankenstein') is arguably one of his best, most delicious roles. Stubborn and extremely manipulative, Ygor is the catalyst for most of the story's evil deeds. He's also the sole source of humor, albeit dark, in an otherwise serious, gloomy film.
'Ghost' does take a while to get to the crux of its wild story, but when it does it's delightful. You see, Ygor has an ambitious plan: He longs to have his brain put into the monster's body so that he may live forever and reign over all the b*******s he so hates (i.e. everyone)! But before this can happen, the new doc must first juice up the monster with a little lightning in order to rejuvenate him for the upcoming surgery. 'Ghost' is the last solid, worthwhile entry in Universal's 'Frank' series (before things became quite silly) and is recommended viewing, esp. for Lugosi fans.