94 reviews
best ''Hammer'' films
As I watch more Hammer films, it strikes me just how sad so many of them are.
Innocents and lost souls find themselves in a similar place in the afterlife, and it never ends happily for them there either. Here you have Susan Denberg, born with a facial disfigurement, taunted by the local toffs, who then sees her boyfriend executed. And that's just the start of her problems before an inevitable downbeat ending.
Hammer horror films, these days, are usually remembered mostly for Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, and also quite often for their campness. But they're almost always quite serious-minded horror tales that rarely have the get-out of a joke or a comedy character. They're also surprisingly aware in terms of societal issues. I can just imagine the three upper-class blokes who taunt Denberg here being members of the Bullingdon Club or something.
Certainly one of the better or even best Hammer films that I've seen.
Innocents and lost souls find themselves in a similar place in the afterlife, and it never ends happily for them there either. Here you have Susan Denberg, born with a facial disfigurement, taunted by the local toffs, who then sees her boyfriend executed. And that's just the start of her problems before an inevitable downbeat ending.
Hammer horror films, these days, are usually remembered mostly for Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, and also quite often for their campness. But they're almost always quite serious-minded horror tales that rarely have the get-out of a joke or a comedy character. They're also surprisingly aware in terms of societal issues. I can just imagine the three upper-class blokes who taunt Denberg here being members of the Bullingdon Club or something.
Certainly one of the better or even best Hammer films that I've seen.
- yusufpiskin
- Jul 28, 2020
- Permalink
Silly but fun Hammer film
Dr. Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) has discovered how to contain the soul of somebody after they had died. His helper Hans (Robert Morris) is (unjustly) found guilty of a murder committed by three other men and guillotined. Hans' girlfriend Christina (Susan Denberg) kills herself. Frankenstein saves Hans' soul and puts it in her. She comes out as a beautiful woman but has Hans thirst for revenge...
As you can see logic does not play a strong role in this picture. For one thing Denberg is introduced as a dark haired, horribly scarred woman. After the "operation" she's blond-haired and looks perfect! Also, when she goes out to kill the men responsible for Hans death, she seems to know EXACTLY where they'll be (I love how she just guessed that Johann would be in a coach and it would break down). Still, Hammer films were never strong on logic so this can be forgiven. Also there's some dreadful day-for-night shooting (another Hammer trademark). Despite all this I DO love this film. It moves quickly and has some pretty bloody scenes (for 1967). There's also a flash of nudity in a bedroom scene.
The acting is very good. Thorley Walters gives a good performance as Dr. Hertz; Morris is actually pretty good as Hans; even Denberg isn't bad (although her voice was dubbed). Best of all, of course, is Peter Cushing. He plays Frankenstein to perfection showing the doctors obsession with creating life.
One of the better Hammer Frankenstein movies. Just turn off your mind and enjoy. I give it an 8.
As you can see logic does not play a strong role in this picture. For one thing Denberg is introduced as a dark haired, horribly scarred woman. After the "operation" she's blond-haired and looks perfect! Also, when she goes out to kill the men responsible for Hans death, she seems to know EXACTLY where they'll be (I love how she just guessed that Johann would be in a coach and it would break down). Still, Hammer films were never strong on logic so this can be forgiven. Also there's some dreadful day-for-night shooting (another Hammer trademark). Despite all this I DO love this film. It moves quickly and has some pretty bloody scenes (for 1967). There's also a flash of nudity in a bedroom scene.
The acting is very good. Thorley Walters gives a good performance as Dr. Hertz; Morris is actually pretty good as Hans; even Denberg isn't bad (although her voice was dubbed). Best of all, of course, is Peter Cushing. He plays Frankenstein to perfection showing the doctors obsession with creating life.
One of the better Hammer Frankenstein movies. Just turn off your mind and enjoy. I give it an 8.
I spit on your soul!
Frankenstein Created Woman is a Hammer Films production that is directed by Terence Fisher. Written by Anthony Hinds under the alias of John Elder, it stars Peter Cushing, Susan Denberg, Thorley Walters, Robert Morris & Derek Fowlds. Cinematography is by Arthur Grant and the music score by James Bernard.
Baron Frankenstein (Cushing) is dabbling with transference of the soul, when Christina (Denberg), a disfigured local who girl commits suicide after her lover Hans (Morris) is wrongfully executed, comes his way for revival, it sets the wheels in motion for violent and bloody revenge.
Bonkers plot and bonkers movie, but one that's well regarded in critical circles and by fans of Hammer Horror in general, and even one Martin Scorsese has it on his favourite movies list. Reworking Bride Of Frankenstein into a metaphysical based tale is close to being a genius idea, even if at times it's difficult to know if it's meant to be funny or not. The thematics most certainly are intelligent and well played out, not just the notion of transferring a peasant boy's soul into that of a former cripple who now looks like (and is) a playboy model, but also class snobbery, corrupt justice system, bullying and of course revenge. All crammed into a 90 minute movie.
However, some scenes are just too daft to take seriously if they were meant to be so in the first place? After crafting bona fide horror classics like Curse Of Frankenstein, Dracula and The Mummy, Terence Fisher owes Hammer Horror fans absolutely nothing. But gauging his efforts here is tough to do, for the blend isn't quite right. Moody and almost dreamlike in tone, it's also low on production values and, Cushing excepted, performed all very hammy by the overacting cast. But again, that may well have been the remit when shooting began?
It's a safe recommend to Hammer fans because it's entertaining on either front, as a comedy or a dark little chiller. But personally I wouldn't be surprised to see it rated from anything between 1/10 to 10/10 across internet sites because it's really an odd piece of Brit cinema. So I'll sit on the fence and go 7/10 for it.
Baron Frankenstein (Cushing) is dabbling with transference of the soul, when Christina (Denberg), a disfigured local who girl commits suicide after her lover Hans (Morris) is wrongfully executed, comes his way for revival, it sets the wheels in motion for violent and bloody revenge.
Bonkers plot and bonkers movie, but one that's well regarded in critical circles and by fans of Hammer Horror in general, and even one Martin Scorsese has it on his favourite movies list. Reworking Bride Of Frankenstein into a metaphysical based tale is close to being a genius idea, even if at times it's difficult to know if it's meant to be funny or not. The thematics most certainly are intelligent and well played out, not just the notion of transferring a peasant boy's soul into that of a former cripple who now looks like (and is) a playboy model, but also class snobbery, corrupt justice system, bullying and of course revenge. All crammed into a 90 minute movie.
However, some scenes are just too daft to take seriously if they were meant to be so in the first place? After crafting bona fide horror classics like Curse Of Frankenstein, Dracula and The Mummy, Terence Fisher owes Hammer Horror fans absolutely nothing. But gauging his efforts here is tough to do, for the blend isn't quite right. Moody and almost dreamlike in tone, it's also low on production values and, Cushing excepted, performed all very hammy by the overacting cast. But again, that may well have been the remit when shooting began?
It's a safe recommend to Hammer fans because it's entertaining on either front, as a comedy or a dark little chiller. But personally I wouldn't be surprised to see it rated from anything between 1/10 to 10/10 across internet sites because it's really an odd piece of Brit cinema. So I'll sit on the fence and go 7/10 for it.
- hitchcockthelegend
- Oct 11, 2010
- Permalink
Outstanding Hammer film
Of all the many films in the longstanding Hammer Frankenstein series, after "The Curse of Frankenstein," I like this one the best. It has a classic, almost mythic, structure of the lover who sacrifices himself to preserve the virtue of his beloved and a good deal of existential discussion about human nature. But beyond the heavy academics of its plot, Peter Cushing is truly great here. He's completely sympathetic, intelligent, and witty as a man struggling outside society's version of morality. Some people criticize Terence Fisher as a director who--apart from "Dracula" and "The Devil Rides Out"--had a static and slow-paced directorial style. They're completely wrong. Fisher was a master of the medium, a genius of composition whose films demonstrate so much intelligence. I miss the 1960's, Fisher, and Hammer Films.
"Everything we don't understand is magic, until we understand it".
- classicsoncall
- Oct 31, 2015
- Permalink
I know who I am and what I have to do. Forgive me.
Susan Denberg was a Playboy Playmate in 1966, and had four screen appearances, before she went back to Europe. She becomes Dr. Frankenstein's latest subject.
Each of these films seem to get more and more elaborate as Dr. Frankenstein stretches the bounds of science. Of course, one has to believe in the existence of a soul to follow his logic, but that is his definition of life.
After her boyfriend Hans (Robert Morris) is unjustly executed for a murder committed by three spoiled rich kids, Christina (Denberg) takes her own life. But, Frankenstein works his magic and puts Hans soul into Christina and the horror begins as they take their revenge.
Each of these films seem to get more and more elaborate as Dr. Frankenstein stretches the bounds of science. Of course, one has to believe in the existence of a soul to follow his logic, but that is his definition of life.
After her boyfriend Hans (Robert Morris) is unjustly executed for a murder committed by three spoiled rich kids, Christina (Denberg) takes her own life. But, Frankenstein works his magic and puts Hans soul into Christina and the horror begins as they take their revenge.
- lastliberal
- Oct 28, 2010
- Permalink
Offbeat but fun sequel
I like this one a lot better than the previous sequel, even though it also lacks Christopher Lee. Cushing seems more interested in the script, though, and the whole concept is more engaging. Basically, Frankenstein is now working with an aging and drunken doctor in yet another small German town, and he discovers a means to preserve a soul and place it into (of course) a dead body. This time, though, he decides to try taking the soul of his young assistant, executed for a crime he did not commit, and place it into the body of said assistant's hot young lover (Susan Denberg), after she kills herself. The new man-woman becomes dedicated to killing the men who raped her and set him up to be framed. Again, this is rather racy stuff for the material, and there's an unfortunate lack of monster makeup (except for part of the film, in which Denberg has a facial deformity), but I quite enjoy it.
Another Good (and Funny) Hammer's Film
- claudio_carvalho
- Oct 10, 2005
- Permalink
A Terrific Fisher Hammer
Not the best of the Hammer Frankenstein series, but still entertaining in its own way
- Leofwine_draca
- Jul 18, 2016
- Permalink
Refreshingly-plotted fourth entry in the Hammer Frankenstein cycle.
- barnabyrudge
- Nov 9, 2006
- Permalink
Hammer Created Horror-Gold
The fourth film of Hammer's awesome Frankenstein series, legendary director Terence Fisher's "Frankenstein Created Woman" of 1967 is another creepy and excellent Hammer gem, and my personal favorite film in the series. Movies like this are reason enough to admire both Fisher as Hammer's most important director and leading man Peter Cushing as one of the greatest Horror icons in the history of motion pictures. Once again, Cushing stars as the ingenious and very unorthodox scientist Baron Victor Frankenstein, exceedingly dedicated to the acquisition of corpses for his eerie obsession of resurrecting the dead by means of rather macabre methods...
I will not give any parts of the plot away, but I can assure that Hammer fans will not be disappointed by this one. Mad science, disfigurement, body snatching, resurrection, insanity and an adequate amount of blood, suspense and eeriness, as well as some very humorous scenes, "Frankenstein Created Woman" has it all. The movie provides the typical eerie Hammer-style score and photography, and therefore maintains the creepy and great atmosphere Hammer-fans love to see. Peter Cushing's performance as the macabre Baron is excellent as always, and beautiful Susan Denberg was a great choice for the female lead. Thorley Walters furthermore fits very well in his role of Frankenstein's colleague in (mad) science, Doctor Herz. "Frankenstein Created Woman" is a brilliant Horror-gem that comes with my highest possible recommendations. Along with the dark and gruesome "Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell", this is my personal favorite of Hammer's Frankenstein series, and it also ranks among my Top 10 out of all Hammer films. This is pure Gothic Horror gold that no Horror fan could possibly afford to miss!
I will not give any parts of the plot away, but I can assure that Hammer fans will not be disappointed by this one. Mad science, disfigurement, body snatching, resurrection, insanity and an adequate amount of blood, suspense and eeriness, as well as some very humorous scenes, "Frankenstein Created Woman" has it all. The movie provides the typical eerie Hammer-style score and photography, and therefore maintains the creepy and great atmosphere Hammer-fans love to see. Peter Cushing's performance as the macabre Baron is excellent as always, and beautiful Susan Denberg was a great choice for the female lead. Thorley Walters furthermore fits very well in his role of Frankenstein's colleague in (mad) science, Doctor Herz. "Frankenstein Created Woman" is a brilliant Horror-gem that comes with my highest possible recommendations. Along with the dark and gruesome "Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell", this is my personal favorite of Hammer's Frankenstein series, and it also ranks among my Top 10 out of all Hammer films. This is pure Gothic Horror gold that no Horror fan could possibly afford to miss!
- Witchfinder-General-666
- Jun 4, 2007
- Permalink
Following your father to the gallows will certainly turn you into a monster!
- mark.waltz
- Jul 4, 2019
- Permalink
Minor But Atmospheric Hammer Frankenstein Picture
- ShootingShark
- May 8, 2009
- Permalink
Another Great Horror Film From Director Terence Fisher
Frankenstein Created Woman(1967) is the most complex and tragic of all the Hammer Frankenstein films. DR. Frankenstein in the film tries to figure out a way to beat death by the transference of the soul. Susan Denberg is excellent as the deformed turned avenging beauty named Christana. Terence Fisher's brilliant direction in this movie is enough to show that along with Mario Bava was one of the best Horror directors of the 1960's. The movie is about how ignorance can have an effect on an entire community. Frankenstein Created Woman(1967) is a thought provoking horror flick that ends on a depressing note.
Above-average entry in the series
Attempting to continue his experiments, the Baron finds that the opportunity to transfer the soul of a young man into a recently-deceased young woman instead sets her out to avenge the group who framed him for death and causing him to try to stop her.
Overall this one was quite decent if slightly flawed. Among the finer points here are the rather fun experiments being conducted for there's plenty of time here working in the lab to complete matters fully throughout here. The opening attempts to bring him back to life from being in the freezer is quite nice by setting up the later work here with the soul that comprises the middle here where he begins going through the different resources possible for his contraptions here to bring that along even further along with the actual transference procedure where they bring about the change-over here of having the two changing his soul into their equipment and then into the girl for another really enjoyable sequence. The later scenes here of them getting her through the recovery process which includes the walking around learning to how to walk and the gratification of the changes made to her appearance due to the change as well as the return to the guillotine which brings about the shock of the opening death of the father there which is all quite fun here. The revenge part here is even better with the person talking in voices and switching into the other voice here to signify the changes as the tense stalking in the pub and out into the countryside as she goes after the last one on the picnic in the woods here so there's a rather fine series of kills in here. These here give this one enough to like overall that it holds off the few flaws within. The main issue here is that there's so little actual horror in here that it can feel very dull at times with the film really holding back how quickly paced this really could've been as a lot of what happens isn't too scary. The majority of time here isn't all that scary here with the continued ramifications of his father's past connecting with his own future from all the townspeople, their budding romance and another instance where the villagers are indeed afraid of the Baron through his reputation but aren't capable of doing anything about it here which in itself is yet another big flaw here as all of these here found throughout the first half just don't make this into much of a horror film. These here are just so bland that, though they do serve as the cause of the revenge later on, it just drags on for quite a while here taking it's time with the overloading these points that becomes very bland overall, and is one of the biggest issues here. Once again, the distrustful natives isn't too original being here, while the other big flaw here is the really abrupt ending which is such a sadden stop that it's hard to believe nothing more involved wasn't used here as it seems to be mere seconds after the revenge is taken that there's the chase and then the ending which for once could've used some stretching out here to really take advantage of what's going on. Otherwise, this one is a lot of fun.
Today's Rating/PG-13: Violence and the aftermath of a sexual encounter.
Overall this one was quite decent if slightly flawed. Among the finer points here are the rather fun experiments being conducted for there's plenty of time here working in the lab to complete matters fully throughout here. The opening attempts to bring him back to life from being in the freezer is quite nice by setting up the later work here with the soul that comprises the middle here where he begins going through the different resources possible for his contraptions here to bring that along even further along with the actual transference procedure where they bring about the change-over here of having the two changing his soul into their equipment and then into the girl for another really enjoyable sequence. The later scenes here of them getting her through the recovery process which includes the walking around learning to how to walk and the gratification of the changes made to her appearance due to the change as well as the return to the guillotine which brings about the shock of the opening death of the father there which is all quite fun here. The revenge part here is even better with the person talking in voices and switching into the other voice here to signify the changes as the tense stalking in the pub and out into the countryside as she goes after the last one on the picnic in the woods here so there's a rather fine series of kills in here. These here give this one enough to like overall that it holds off the few flaws within. The main issue here is that there's so little actual horror in here that it can feel very dull at times with the film really holding back how quickly paced this really could've been as a lot of what happens isn't too scary. The majority of time here isn't all that scary here with the continued ramifications of his father's past connecting with his own future from all the townspeople, their budding romance and another instance where the villagers are indeed afraid of the Baron through his reputation but aren't capable of doing anything about it here which in itself is yet another big flaw here as all of these here found throughout the first half just don't make this into much of a horror film. These here are just so bland that, though they do serve as the cause of the revenge later on, it just drags on for quite a while here taking it's time with the overloading these points that becomes very bland overall, and is one of the biggest issues here. Once again, the distrustful natives isn't too original being here, while the other big flaw here is the really abrupt ending which is such a sadden stop that it's hard to believe nothing more involved wasn't used here as it seems to be mere seconds after the revenge is taken that there's the chase and then the ending which for once could've used some stretching out here to really take advantage of what's going on. Otherwise, this one is a lot of fun.
Today's Rating/PG-13: Violence and the aftermath of a sexual encounter.
- kannibalcorpsegrinder
- Nov 2, 2015
- Permalink
Cushing plays God in another fantastic Hammer film
Over-the-top horror film with awesome actors from Hammer Productions.
Outstanding horror film that continued a stunning series starred by the greatest terror icon : Peter Cushing and shot in Bray studios, as usual . Abetted by the elderly Dr. Hertz (Thorley Waters) and handyman Hans (Robert Morris), Baron Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) , became notorious but belittled scientist , has developed a penchant for the human experiments . Baron Frankenstein's primary experiment here, soul transference from one body to another, was a common experiment of alchemists at the time . Frankenstein determining that the soul does not immediately leave the body upon death, and can be transplanted from one body to another with a special apparatus he has made , then he creates a weird being and brings it to life . Meantime, Hans is in love with Christina (Susan Denberg), the disfigured daughter of a local innkeeper . After being reanimated, Baron Frankenstein transfers the soul of an executed young man into the body of his lover , prompting her to kill the men who wronged them. Victor Frankenstein whose experimentation with creation of life becomes an obsession , but his creature behaves not as he intended . The Ultimate in Evil !. From flesh and innocence... Frankenstein has created the ultimate in evil and desire. From flesh and innocence... Frankenstein has created the ultimate in evil - A beautiful woman with the soul of the devil!
The classic actor of horror movies named Peter Cushing is terrific as the stubborn scientist who will stop at nothing and at whatever cost , to get his investigation purports , being one of the best movies from Hammer Productions . Peter Cushing brings a strong portrayal of the scientist Frankenstein attempting to create a new being , but now has created a beautiful woman with the soul of the Devil . Atmospheric , slick terror film , creaky at times but it's still impressive . Thought-provoking and broody screenplay , including the metaphysical dimensions of life, such as the question of the soul , and its relationship to the body . It has nice atmosphere especially in Eastmancolor by cameraman Arthur Grant , adding a stunning and thrilling musical score by James Bernard , a great composer expert on create electrifying environments . Loosely based on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein , but this ¨Frankenstein Created Woman (1967)¨ took the idea originated from first Hammer ¨Curse of Frankentein (1957) ¨ that came from Milton Subotsky, the latter went on to co-found Amicus Films, Hammer's main rival during the 1960s and early 1970s , the storyline was revised several times to avoid repeating any elements from the Universal Frankenstein series . Actors give uniformly nice interpretations , along with the always competent Peter Cushing , appearing other fine players , Hammer's regulars , such as : Susan Denberg, Thorley Walters, Robert Morris , Duncan Lamont and Peter Blythe.
After the successful Universal Pictures as ¨House of Frankestein¨, ¨Bride of Frankestein¨ , ¨Son of Frankestein¨, ¨Frankestein meet the wolf man¨ and ¨ The Zingara and the monsters¨ , Frankestein personage was left until Hammer Productions took him and produced the first Frankenstein titled : ¨The Curse of Frankenstein¨(1957) a magnificent movie ; however , Universal threatened a lawsuit if Hammer copied any elements from the classic version and being starred by the two greatest Hammer figures : Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee , although they had both previously appeared in Hamlet and Moulin Rouge, Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing met on the set of this film for the first time and quickly developed a fast friendship , which lasted until Cushing's death in 1994 . Followed by six sequels as ¨Revenge of Frankestein¨ by Terence Fisher , ¨Evil of Frankestein¨ by Freddie Francis , Frankestein created woman¨ by Fisher , ¨Frankestein must be destroyed¨ by Fisher , ¨The horror of Frankestein¨ by Jimmy Sangster and ¨Frankestein and the monster from hell¨ by Fisher ; all of them starred by Peter Cushing and one by Ralph Bates , besides similar artistic and technician team as the cameraman Jack Asher or Arthur Grant , Production designer Bernad Robinson , musician James Bernard and make-up by Philip Leaky . Rating : 7/10. Better than average , well worth watching . The filck will appeal to Peter Cushing fans.
The classic actor of horror movies named Peter Cushing is terrific as the stubborn scientist who will stop at nothing and at whatever cost , to get his investigation purports , being one of the best movies from Hammer Productions . Peter Cushing brings a strong portrayal of the scientist Frankenstein attempting to create a new being , but now has created a beautiful woman with the soul of the Devil . Atmospheric , slick terror film , creaky at times but it's still impressive . Thought-provoking and broody screenplay , including the metaphysical dimensions of life, such as the question of the soul , and its relationship to the body . It has nice atmosphere especially in Eastmancolor by cameraman Arthur Grant , adding a stunning and thrilling musical score by James Bernard , a great composer expert on create electrifying environments . Loosely based on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein , but this ¨Frankenstein Created Woman (1967)¨ took the idea originated from first Hammer ¨Curse of Frankentein (1957) ¨ that came from Milton Subotsky, the latter went on to co-found Amicus Films, Hammer's main rival during the 1960s and early 1970s , the storyline was revised several times to avoid repeating any elements from the Universal Frankenstein series . Actors give uniformly nice interpretations , along with the always competent Peter Cushing , appearing other fine players , Hammer's regulars , such as : Susan Denberg, Thorley Walters, Robert Morris , Duncan Lamont and Peter Blythe.
After the successful Universal Pictures as ¨House of Frankestein¨, ¨Bride of Frankestein¨ , ¨Son of Frankestein¨, ¨Frankestein meet the wolf man¨ and ¨ The Zingara and the monsters¨ , Frankestein personage was left until Hammer Productions took him and produced the first Frankenstein titled : ¨The Curse of Frankenstein¨(1957) a magnificent movie ; however , Universal threatened a lawsuit if Hammer copied any elements from the classic version and being starred by the two greatest Hammer figures : Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee , although they had both previously appeared in Hamlet and Moulin Rouge, Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing met on the set of this film for the first time and quickly developed a fast friendship , which lasted until Cushing's death in 1994 . Followed by six sequels as ¨Revenge of Frankestein¨ by Terence Fisher , ¨Evil of Frankestein¨ by Freddie Francis , Frankestein created woman¨ by Fisher , ¨Frankestein must be destroyed¨ by Fisher , ¨The horror of Frankestein¨ by Jimmy Sangster and ¨Frankestein and the monster from hell¨ by Fisher ; all of them starred by Peter Cushing and one by Ralph Bates , besides similar artistic and technician team as the cameraman Jack Asher or Arthur Grant , Production designer Bernad Robinson , musician James Bernard and make-up by Philip Leaky . Rating : 7/10. Better than average , well worth watching . The filck will appeal to Peter Cushing fans.
Fourth Hammer Frankenstein.
Terence Fisher directed this fourth "Frankenstein" film in the Hammer series that sees Peter Cushing return as Baron Frankenstein, still experimenting with life, though now interested in the soul, and when it departs the body, which he recently experimented on himself with the help of his new assistant Dr. Hertz(played by Thorley Walters) His young helper Hans(played by Robert Morris) gets into trouble with the law and is hanged; his distraught girlfriend(played by Susan Denberg)whose father was the murder victim, drowns herself only to be resurrected by Frankenstein with the mind of Hans! Together(sort of) they set on a campaign of revenge against the real killers... Ambitious sequel is nicely directed and acted(if contrived), with the Baron in a mostly benevolent mood; pity it didn't last...
- AaronCapenBanner
- Nov 23, 2013
- Permalink
"One of Hammer's finest Frankenstein films!"
- jamesraeburn2003
- Nov 4, 2003
- Permalink
Great idea slightly undone by a few silly twists
- planktonrules
- Mar 7, 2009
- Permalink
One of my least favorites
While the cast is good, I've always found the story, about soul switching, to be lacking. For one thing, does the mind reside in the soul? Or is it a separate entity? That is a question for another day. This movie doesn't have a 'real' monster, just human looking ones seeking out vengeance. For me, one of the lesser entries.
She was ugly....ALL TWISTED!!!
- EJBaggaley
- Feb 27, 2005
- Permalink
A great Hammer Frankenstein movie with a wild concept
Peter Cushing returns as Baron Frankenstein in the fourth and possibly strongest of Hammers Frankenstein movies. Directed by Terence Fisher, it sees Susan Denberg killing herself after seeing her lover unjustly framed for murder and guillotined. She is resurrected by the Baron and his assistant (played by Thorley Walters), with her lover's soul in her, and sets off to avenge his death. Hammer went for something different here, the focus being on the metaphysical dimensions of Frankenstein's work as opposed to the physical, such as the question of the soul, and its relationship to the body. Critics seemed to hate it, but it has an army of fans including Martin Scorsese, who picked the movie as part of a 1987 National Film Theatre season of his favourite films. Released the same year as Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and the Summer of Love, this movie has some very far out notions upon which its plot hangs, yet it never descends into campiness or melodrama, and is just a great Peter Cushing Frankenstein film.
- mwilson1976
- Dec 13, 2019
- Permalink
Cushing dominates an otherwise disappointing film