The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster (2002 Video) User Reviews

85 plus years later, the monster is still alive!

[mark.waltz · 8/10 · 14 February 2017]

Documenting the making of classic motion pictures is as interesting, if not more, than the movie itself. It keeps the legends of that time alive and reminds film viewers of a time that might not have been easier, but definitely simpler. The horror films, from the days of Lon Chaney to the alleged rivalry of Lugosi and Karloff, up to the flamboyant performances of Vincent Price and beyond. The Frankenstein monster is unique because he was the first horror character to spawn a series, even if Fu Manchu had a few before "Frankenstein" even came out. The Frankenstein films even tied together with the wolf man and Dracula, and later got a comic take when Abbott and Costello got on the big boy's band wagon as well.

This documentary goes down the trail of the history of the monster from the creation by Mary Shelley to the Broadway play and finally the movie franchise. The behind the scenes history is explored from Lugosi's announcement to play the monster, to his decision not to play the part, to the eventual casting of Karloff, am actor who just needs his last name mentioned to visualize the pathetic creature. Details of the makeup, costumes and Karloff's rough ride in getting through the shooting.

Then there are the sequels, two again with Karloff, then one with Lon Chaney Jr., one with a desperate for work Lugosi, and finally Glenn Strange. Interviews with film experts, other actors and Karloff's devoted daughter, Sara, add to the importance of this being documented. The psychology of the impact of the film, on the public and the creative team. Every important movie should be documented somehow, not just for film historians, students or fans, but for generations to come to give an indication of what the art of film is all about rather than just profits.

Shaking the Frankenstein family tree

[pixrox1 · 7/10 · 16 June 2013]

Though not as long or as enlightening as its feature-length companion piece, UNIVERSAL HORROR, this 44 minute, 52.57-second piece (THE FRANKENSTEIN FILES: HOW H0LLYWOOD MADE A MONSTER) has its own merits (and technically qualifies as "feature length" in its own right, given the standard used by the Academy to separate so-called "documentary shorts" from "documentary features;" i.e., less than 40 minutes = a "short;" anything beyond that mark is considered a "feature"). Including witness from make-up artist Rich Baker is a nice touch, since horror movie make-up jobs don't always earn the accolades they deserve. Hearing Faust labeled as an "over-achiever" is provocative; seeing clips from pre-FRANKENSTEIN horror such as THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI was even more enlightening. Knowing Boris Karloff's face was covered with mortician's wax to simulate a monster composed of reanimated chunks of corpses is not only ironic but morbidly fascinating, but it is pretty sad that this poor English waif had to endure rounds of back surgery from carrying Colin Clive as Henry Frankenstein uphill (for multiple takes) toward the end of the story; fortunately, today the U.S. OSHA regulations would require a suitably husky stunt double to do this sort of heavy lifting!

Frankenmentary

[Thosle · 24 January 2003]

Included with Universal's excellent Frankenstein DVD. Film historian David J. Skal hosts this documentary about the 1931 classic. Filmmakers, film historians, and writers discuss the novel and its many dramatic and film incarnations (at least Universal's long series). Discussions include the influence of German impressionist filmmakers on Hollywood horror movies, make-up, and the actors. Sara Karloff, daughter of the actor, is one of the many interviewees.

Brief Making of 1931 Frankenstein

[Cineanalyst · 4/10 · 23 August 2018]

This is a brief overview of the making of the 1931 "Frankenstein," which comes in video collections of the Universal film, so it's not a significant waste of time, and it's probably interesting for those who aren't seeking an abundance of information on the subject. For me, however, I've re-read Mary Shelley's novel, read various books and articles about it and the film adaptations and seen near 50 such Frankenstein films by now, so this little documentary wasn't particularly rewarding.

Yet, I did learn something, but it's regarding the 1910 Edison company short "Frankenstein," which the video explains took its Jekyll-and-Hyde-like doppelgänger theme of the scientist and creature being reflections of each other from stage versions of the story. Otherwise, David J. Skal and company spend the 45-some minutes mostly praising the 1931 film, citing individual contributions from the likes of Dwight Frye, Boris Karloff, Jack Pierce, Ken Strickfaden and James Whale, and briefly mentioning Shelley's novel and its theatrical adaptations. A few clips are shown from other Universal movies, from the original monster movies to the Whale biopic "Gods and Monster" (1998), which has the unfortunate appearance of them trying to sell us more home videos. A brief montage of the Hammer Frankenstein series is also given, although Universal has been involved in distributing at least some of those films, as well. An exception to the parade of praise are some slight criticisms by film historian Paul Jensen of some plot contrivances.

I'm not sure if I prefer this video's attempts to ingratiate "Frankenstein" or Skal leading the charge to degrade the English-language 1931 "Dracula" in "The Road to Dracula" (1999).

Terrific Documentary

[Michael_Elliott · 20 October 2010]

Frankenstein Files, The (1999)

**** (out of 4)

Terrific documentary that was released on the initial DVD release of FRANKENSTEIN back in 1999. Film historian David J. Skal directs as well as hosts this documentary that takes a look at the making of Universal's FRANKENSTEIN and the different directions it took. We hear about how Bela Lugosi was originally set to play the monster but he passed and then we hear how Boris Karloff was discovered. The documentary also goes into detail about certain issues people had with the film and what parts would eventually have to be cut out in future releases. Rick Baker, Rudy Behlmer, Bill Condon, Sara Karloff, Dwight David Frye, Donald Glut, Richard Gordon, Greg Mank and Paul M. Jensen are just a few of the folks interviewed and all have rather interesting comments and ideas about the film. I think the best aspect of this documentary is that we get a pretty good history of the film and I'm sure those unfamiliar with the movie will see it in a different light. Having the children of Karloff and Frye are hand was pretty nice even though neither one of them were actually on the set when the movies were being made. Another major plus is that we get a few brief discussions on the sequels but Universal would give BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN its own documentary. I doubt die- hard fans are going to learn anything new here but it's still a very entertaining and pleasant documentary that does everything you'd want it to (except turn up the lost Lugosi test footage, of course).