Frankenstein vastly differs from Mary Shelley’s novel, with this series of events being better suited for the screen. Whale and Pierce’s version of The Monster is truly iconic and what we envision when we think of ‘Frankenstein’ today. The only diversion I didn’t care for was that Victor Frankenstein became Henry Frankenstein and Victor Moritz? Also, in the credits, Mary Shelley is credited as ‘Mrs, Percy B. Shelley’ — bleh.

This film is a fantastic example of old Hollywood movie magic. The set pieces and lighting are impressive for its time, especially Frankenstein’s captivatingly eerie laboratory. Backdrops were painfully noticeable on occasion though. Boris Karloff’s portrayal of The Monster is imposing and terrifying, yet still moving and tragic. Listing “The Monster ?” in the opening credits was a fun choice that adds to the old-timey charm.

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