Mad scientist Dr. Frankenstein and his deranged assistant Fritz comb the German countryside for gravesites in search of fresh cadavers for his science experiments. When he is unable to find an acceptable brain specimen, he breaks into a medical school and unknowingly steals the brain of brutish criminal. As his fiance, best friend, and elder colleague rush to his laboratory to stop him, they are too late as Dr. Frankenstein has already brought to life his crudely assembled and barbarous monster. Universal Pictures' "Frankenstein" is the ultimate monster movie of the 1930s and a vivid adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel. James Whale's direction, staging, and use of sets creates indelible imagery and terrifying scenarios, while Boris Karloff's monster is scary, strangely sympathetic, and a lot more grotesque than most may recall (I liked how he was billed as "?" in the opening credits). "Frankenstein" is a horror classic that has inspired countless films, most of which have failed to recapture its craftsmanship, effect, and sheer terror.
