JAMES WHALE
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBBB.
USA, 1931. Screenplay by Garrett Fort, Francis Edward Faragoh, Scenario edited by Richard Schayer, based on the composition by John L. Balderston, the play by Peggy Webling and the novel by Mary Shelley. Cinematography by Arthur Edeson. Produced by Carl Laemmle Jr.. Music by Bernhard Kaun. Production Design by Charles D. Hall. Costume Design by Mae Bruce. Film Editing by Clarence Kolster.
Now that you’ve watched Gods and Monsters, go back and watch the original classics that spawned the legend of its main character and director. Boris Karloff gives a beautifully tragic performance as the creature created by a mad scientist who is intent on taking over God’s position as creator. James Whale’s feel for comedy among all the horror is priceless, as is the delightfully crazy production design (mad scientists’ labs were forever classified as places with bubbling test tubes and flashing lights because of this film). The sequel, Bride of Frankenstein, is even better.
