Frankenstein: Karloff’s First Round of Playing Green

Contains spoilers!

Frankenstein (1931) explores what it means to create life and to play God. Based on the eponymous Mary Shelley novel from 1818, the film, directed by James Whale, tells the story of Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive), a scientist whose seeks to bring dead tissue back to life. To do so, he robs graves and gallows, using body parts to build a creature (Boris Karloff) to achieve his goal. Frankenstein’s activities worry his fiancé Elizabeth (Mae Clarke), mentor Dr. Waldman  (Edward Van Sloan), and friend Victor (John Boles).

Like 1931’s Dracula, Boris Karloff’s portrayal of the creature and the film itself have withstood the test of time, becoming staples of both the horror genre and wider popular culture. Most Halloween costumes of Frankenstein’s creature take use this version’s appearance, originally created by the legendary Jack P. Pierce, who also created the makeup for The Mummy (1932) and The Wolf Man (1941).

The film itself has gone onto inspire several other interpretations of Frankenstein and Frankenstein-like creatures that are still adored and enjoyed today. Examples include comedies such as Young Frankenstein (1974), which utilize the same science machinery as its 1931 predecessor, as well as the musical The Rocky Horror Show, later adapted into the titular film (1975).

Karloff’s portrayal of the creature is one that is unexpected. Given the fact that Henry’s assistant Fritz (Dwight Frye) stole the abnormal brain (Abby someone) of a murderous criminal, one would think those malicious instincts would kick as soon as life is breathed back into it. Instead, the creature is one that fears the world, especially fire. Its rejections of fire are interpreted as attempts to attack, causing the viewer to develop unexpected sympathy for the creature.

Clive convincingly plays Frankenstein as a man consumed by his deranged goals. This is demonstrated in the scene where Elizabeth, Waldman and Victor visit Frankenstein at his lab. A simple shot of Frankenstein calmly explaining his ambition is effectively used. Later, he celebrates his creature coming to life with the iconic “It’s alive! It’s alive!” He believably acts as a man that truly believes he’s discovered the secret to bringing the dead back to life.

Though its monster isn’t the most attractive fellow, Frankenstein is a stunning film that still holds sway today, even if not fully realized by the public. For us horror fans, we’ll keep coming back to see what Henry has cooked up in his lab.

Cast

Colin Clive as Henry Frankenstein

Mae Clarke as Elizabeth

Boris Karloff as the Monster

John Boles as Victor

Edward Van Sloan as Dr. Waldman