"The Ghost of Frankenstein" inevitably falls short when compared to the knockout films in this franchise that preceded it: "Frankenstein", "Bride of Frankenstein", and "Son of Frankenstein". The atmosphere just isn't as strong, nor is this ever terribly spooky. It's still solidly entertaining, it's just not as classic as the others. Part of the problem is Lon Chaney (Jr.), who shambles and pantomimes adequately, but doesn't invest the Monster with the same amount of emotional torment as Karloff. The story picks up as "Son of Frankenstein" ends, with your standard Angry Villagers Bearing Torches laying siege to Castle Frankenstein and destroying it; however, sinister Ygor (Bela Lugosi reprises the role with great relish) and the Monster survive. They make their way to a new village where Ludwig Frankenstein (Sir Cedric Hardwicke) is a psychiatrist; unfortunately, the Monster kills some people and is brought to trial. After it escapes, it finds refuge in Ludwig's abode; Ygor succeeds in getting him to help by blackmailing him. The good thing is that Ludwig thinks he's finally hit upon the best way to reform the Monster and turn him "good". God help the Frankenstein family, they'll try anything to restore their good name, and things just always seem to turn out badly. A top notch cast makes everything quite easy to watch, with Lionel Atwill as Ludwig's self serving, sneaky colleague Doctor Bohmer, the beautiful Evelyn Ankers as Ludwig's daughter, Ralph Bellamy as prosecuting attorney Erick Ernst, and adorable young Janet Ann Gallow as the child Cloestine, who isn't intimidated by the Monster. (A *very* young William Smith, eventually to become a tough guy B movie icon, is one of the village children as well.) In fact, it's the actors who help to really sell this sequel, although the story isn't bad and comes up with some amusing twists, such as the differing opinions on just whose brain should end up inside the Monster. Things come to a comfortably predictable finale where the house comes down. The best moments tend to involve Ygor, who proves to be as interesting a character as he was in "Son of Frankenstein". Not too memorable in the end, but an enjoyable watch just the same, and at a mere 68 minutes long it doesn't overstay its welcome. Seven out of 10.
Review of The Ghost of Frankenstein
