Frankenburger and Fries

Elsa Lanchester as Mary Shelley in the prelude

to Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Free Frankenburgers all around to celebrate today the birthday of Mary Shelley, who came into this world in 1787. Shelley is famed for her classic novel Frankenstein, which has been adapted to film many times over, rarely faithfully, but sometimes effectively. And there were the parodies, too, including of course, the loving cinematic homage to that timeless horror story, Young Frankenstein. One hump or two?

Universal Studios did a masterful job of reinterpreting the eerie tale in the 1931 version, and then to varying degrees of success in the four sequels. These films began as artistically impressive pieces, some evoking German Expressionistic styles, though as the series progressed, the flicks became a bit more B-movie-ish, still fun for fans of that Golden Age of horror. 

It wasn't until 1957 that Britain's Hammer Studios brought another successful, if more lurid, version to the masses,Curse of Frankenstein. Hammer eschewed the creaky, stagy theatrics of Universal and stamped its own brand of Technicolor gore and sexuality on the famed monster's story. This film, along with Hammer's Dracula of '58, launched a Gothic horror revival, which saw a string of Frank, Dracula, Mummy and other creature features right up until 1974. Hammer was known for productions that dripped with atmosphere, replete with lush sets and scenery, and a sturdy recurring cast of colourful notable actors who carved their way into horror history.

Once Hammer packed up house, at least in the monster department, in the 70's, there simply weren't any more Frankenstein re-imaginings that found much of an audience. Interest petered out and whatever did hit the big screen was a disappointment. 

But I see no need for further film remakes... nothing will ever rival or eclipse those legendary classics of cinema. There is, of course, the original novel by Shelley, if anyone cares to read a book any more. I read Frankenstein as a young teen and just might revisit it again someday. 

Fred Gwynne as Herman on the 60's sit-com The Munsters.

Notice a resemblance to a certain someone else?