House of Frankenstein

The classic Universal monsters together for the first time. The Werewolf, Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster and even Kharis the Mummy. A childhood dream come true... Apart from the fact that they cut the Mummy before the movie was shot, Dracula is played by a tragic Carradine and the entire affair is absolutely superfluous and, mainly, very boring; Frankenstein’s Monster doesn’t his ten seconds (almost literally) of fame until almost the very end and although Chaney’s performance as the Werewolf is outstanding, it suffers from being sidelined. So instead of a “celebration" of monsters, we don’t actually get much more than another mad scientist. This time rather routinely performed by Boris Karloff. This means that J. Carrol Naish in the role of Karloff’s side-kick has no trouble in stealing the whole movie. House of Frankenstein is a mediocre movie through and through, none of its potential exploited at all. Still, it’s a good movie. But only good, nothing more. (03/11/2008)

The screenwriter of House of Frankenstein brought all of the famous monsters of the 1930s and ’40s to life in a single film and mixed them into a fun, never boring plot cocktail. Nicely filmed, cast and acted. Packed with endearing nostalgia. But don’t expect a dramatic masterpiece along the lines of Bride of Frankenstein. This film isn’t that strong, nor does it have such a big heart. It’s just pleasant entertainment for interested fans. (03/30/2003)