The Penultimate entry in Hammer's 'Frankenstein' series. and after having a really bad time with 'Frankenstein Must be Destroyed' you can only IMAGINE the look on my face when I read some cursory notes on this film and was met with the information that:
A - This was basically a slightly tweaked remake of 'Curse of Frankenstein'...so ANOTHER reboot to the franchise.
And B - That this one doesnt feature Peter Cushing, and as such has widely been classed as 'Non Canon' by Hammer horror fans.
So...this Standalone outing for the Baron and the creature was already making me feel woozy before i'd even hit play. But to my surprise 'Horror of Frankenstein' (while not AMAZING) does have some things working in its favour.
The film does pretty much follow the plot of 'Curse' with a few notable changes to the running order and who makes it to the end, its similar enough to 'Curse' that longtime Hammer fans may begin to feel a little *too* familiar with it's plot beats, but different enough that, by the time the third act rolls around, you may begin to wonder how this thing is going to end.
The plot follows a somewhat more 'Frat Boy-ish' take on Baron von Frankenstein. Here? hes portrayed as more of a 'spoilt rich kid' who womanizes, gets what he wants and acts before thinking...We open with the Baron as a child and we're introduced to most of the main players this way, before the film jumps 6 years into the future, everyones in their early to mid 20s and the Baron returns to his home town after an extended period studying with the creation of a living man on his mind.
And, for me? the big recurring feeling that this film gave me across the full runtime is 'TV Movie' vibes. The plotting, pacing, narrative structuring, it all feels like it was supposed to be some kind of multi part TV serial, thats had all the pieces stitched together into a 90 minute movie. As such, things do feel a little bit less distinct or lavish when compared to earlier Hammer offerings. But I do feel it handles its 'reboot' MUCH better than 'Evil of Frankenstein' it may not have the looks of 'Evil' but it carries a lot more heart and the story feels much better assembled.
The characters lack the depth and moral grayness of 'Curse of Frankenstein' but it makes up for that with a more humourous tone that I quite liked and somewhat quicker pace, which rather appealed.
In fact, barring the ending. Which I think was VERY out of left field, VERY rushed and ultimately was the thing that cost this movie another half star. I thought this was a cheaper feeling, but altogether very robust production. That did what it was aiming to do quite well, and only *JUST* overstayed its welcome in doing so.
Direction was reletively solid given this was a first attempt from Hammer legacy writer Jimmy Sangster, I wouldnt have guessed this was his first stab behind the camera had I not checked his credits. Its professional, shwos a clear creative vision and brings a level of style to what would have otherwise been fairly generic set designs.
The cine is a bit on the bland side, theres nothing here that really experiements or pushes the medium. Which is a bit of a shame, give theres ample opportunity to utilise strong colour and light play...but its simplicity is particularly solid, and as mentioned it only further made me think of TV movies for its simplicity on how it presented its dialogue exchanges.
The performances are kind of muted. I think Kate O'Mara really steals th show here as the housekeeper, with a cunning and border dazzling performance, she really oozed charisma whenever she was on screen. Ralph Bates by contrast, didnt really do it for me as 'Frankenstein' apart from the fact that the character just...isnt as complexly written as he ahs been in previous outings. Ralph plays the part mostly upbeat with very little onscreen menace. which makes th emoments wher he needed that flash of malevolence (whether physical or otherwise) distinctly lacking.
There are some decent supporting actors here like the Burke and Hair style gravediggers who offer some solid comic relief, or the lead professor with whome Frankenstein becoems obsessed with his head...who gives a warm and eccentric turn that I personally quite enjoyed.
Of all the 'Frankenstein' reboots, I think this one may be my favourite, an imperfect outing. but an enjoyable one non the less. I personally will probably stick with 'Curse' if I want an outing with 'Frankenstein'...But this one definitely had charm, and I could easily see myself revisting this one again in future.
source https://letterboxd.com/tytdreviews/film/the-horror-of-frankenstein/
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