Son of Frankenstein (1939)

Best movie ever!

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Not one of my favorite films of the Frankenstein franchise, but it's watchable. Except... and this is a big 'except'... for the child actor playing Peter. I honestly can't understand about fifty percent of what he says, with the exception of his hearty and way overdone "Well, HELL-OOO!" that he belts out a couple of times like he's trying to be heard in the back row of a Broadway theater. Was that the best that Central Casting could do? His dialogue includes a couple of key plot points, but he's so difficult to understand that important information is missed when trying to follow the story. I suspect I would have enjoyed the movie more than I did if there was a better young actor in that part.The movie has its moments... the part in the crypt is particularly creepy, and Lugosi does a very good turn as the misshapen Ygor. I'd never recognize him as the infamous "Dracula" if I didn't already know who he was After seeing Lon Chaney Jr. and Glenn Strange (and yes, even Lugosi!) as the Monster in a couple of other sequels, it's interesting to see how in contrast Karloff's face is really rather delicate, even under all that makeup. He's the best, far and away, to ever portray the Monster. Even with no dialogue, he's incredibly effective. It was Karloff, not the makeup, that really sold that character.You have to watch this one to get the whole Universal franchise in and experience the entire classic saga, but it's not really among their best.

Sequel to 1935' "The Bride of Frankenstein". Wolf Frankenstein, son of Dr. Henry Frankenstein, decides to move in with his wife and son to the castle where his father had the laboratory where he created the Monster. It is clear that the inhabitants did not warmly welcome him because the stigma of past events still existed, but the police helped calm the moods. Wolf meets Ygor, a hunchback who becomes his assistant in the laboratory and tells him that the Monster has not been destroyed but instead is in a coma. Wolf Frankenstein, also a doctor and scientist, fascinated by his father's experiences, revives the Monster, but this one seems to have a connection with Ygor and only obeys him. Ygor then uses the Monster to take revenge and kill some of the villagers who tried and condemned him years ago.The atmosphere of this film seems minimalist compared to the previous two and does not have the horror impact of the predecessors, although the story is still very interesting and with some memorable performances, especially Inspector Krogh. But the end disappointed me: although in the end Wolf had 'saved the day', he was the main responsible for the chaos because it was he who revived the Monster, but what we get is him leaving with his family in a train and the whole population waving him goodbye cheerfully instead of being judged and blamed for his acts that led to the deaths of some more people. Does one good action erases the bad ones? Otherwise, interesting at least one viewing.

In the third installment of Universal's Frankenstein series, viewers are introduced to a new scientist in the Frankenstein family, Baron Wolf von Frankenstein, played by Basil Rathbone. Rathbone is very good in his part, living up to expectations of Colin Clive who played Henry Frankenstein, the family and creator of the monster. Son of Frankenstein seemed to tell a story that was awfully similar to the original in quite a few ways, a knock on original material. However, I did find myself enjoying "Son" as a film a bit more than "Bride" with more interesting characters and a nice pace, while "Bride" rushed an ending. This would have been a good way to cap off the Frankenstein franchise for Universal but apparently the business at the box office was too good to stop here.

Son of Frankenstein delivers on all fronts. Sporting great sets, a classically chilling atmosphere, and a superb cast, this has become my go-to movie whenever I'm in the mood for an old fashioned monster flick. The film differs from many of its kin because its a whooping hour and forty-some minutes long, but it is leisurely paced and not a moment of it comes off as boring. I've heard from various sources that Universal Studios cut the director a bigger budget for this movie. This really shows in the quality of the set designs. While I do believe there is nothing quite like the barbaric infamy of Colin Clive's laboratory, SoF's overly detailed, sulfur pit infested castle and lab rivals it's father.Speaking of rivaling his father, the titles spotlight character, Wolf von Frankenstein, proves to the audience that he is not just a clone of his father. Wolf (masterfully portrayed by Basil Rathbone) stands out in my mind as one of the best performances in any Universal Horror film. Where Colin Clive's mad doctor boasts a manic and intimidating screen presence, Rathbone's portrayal comes off as warm and caring then spirals into a frantic, guilt riddled hysterical mess. Through his interactions with his wife and son and his desperate attempt to appease the townspeople you get the feeling that Wolf von Frankenstein is a caring, sweet man. Then, sure enough, the old Frankenstein obsession starts to show and when it does the film starts to go a mile a minute. While watching these movies I'm never afraid or creeped out by any means. Modern Hollywood has left me desensitized. However, I must admit that there was a part in this movie that legitimately sent a chill up my spine. I won't spoil it, but when it happens you'll know what I'm talking about.Opposite of Rathbone is Lionel Atwill playing the persistent Inspector Krogh. Upon first seeing Atwill's introduction in the film, I found myself rolling my eyes and thinking "Here comes the stereotypical, paranoid townsman ready to demonize Frankenstein." I could not have been more wrong. Atwill's Inspector Krogh is one of the most interesting character's I've ever encountered in an old horror film. His sympathy for Frankenstein's family and the cat and mouse game it turns into leaves you invested throughout the whole plot. The entirety of the film you are left wondering who will win, the witty, young doctor or the sharp, weathered inspector. Not to mention, Krogh has a very personal and interesting reason to fear the Monster. In many ways, I found myself regarding Krogh as the hero of the story.But let's not fool ourselves, we don't watch these movies for the heroes. We watch them for the monsters!Boris Karlof and an unrecognizable Bela Lugosi are here in full form. This is Karlof's last appearance as the Monster and its a memorable one. His first appearance in this film is not something I'll soon forget. This is not the most aggressive you'll see the Monster, but definitely the most terrifying. This is largely due to the fact that he is being controlled by Bela Lugosi's Ygor, who sports enough cunning to use the monsters as a killing machine. Rather than going on a mindless rampage, the Monster is sent on James Bond-esque missions to assassinate Ygor's enemies. As you witness these murders happening you realize that this makes for a rather disturbing concept. Lugosi's Ygor is undoubtedly the highlight of this movie. Personally, I found this to be the Hungarian actor's best performance, even outshining his legendary role as Dracula. His lines are delivered with such savagery, you can absolutely tell what kind of a life Ygor has led and what kind of ideas go through his head just from his voice alone. The makeup here is superb (though his wig is a little iffy at times) and Lugosi's dedication to Ygor's unique 'posture' makes you forget that the seductive Hungarian is beneath the beard and fake teeth.Son of Frankenstein is a must see for any horror fan. I could also see this acting as a 'gateway drug' for budding horror enthusiast. While not as classic as the original or as interesting as the sequel, Son of Frankenstein is exciting and can keep just about anyone entertained. I highly recommend it.