The Evolution of the Frankenstein monster in the Universal studios films
Whenever a discussion of the Universal studios Frankenstein series arises, the immediate question is "Who is the best Frankenstein monster?"
Boris Karloff in the James Whale films, no question....even in Son of Frankenstein.
Now for some deep discussion.
Can we all agree that the character of the Frankenstein monster changed drastically after '39 Son of Frankenstein?
The empathy and pathos presented by Karloff in the Whale films....and to a lesser extent in Son, is totally absent in the series that begins with '42 Ghost of Frankenstein.
I suggest we draw a very deep line in the sand here, perhaps of cavernous proportion as the final frame of Karloff's Monster in Son of Frankenstein fades to black.
The Monster in Ghost, as written, directed, and played by Lon Chaney is a brute....loyal to Ygor to a degree, but also independent. There's a small part of compassion in regards to the little girl Cloestine, but otherwise he's the "unimaginable brute" that Dracula speaks of in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. He brushes aside his pal Ygor like a pesky fly, as he seeks power from his mother, the lightning. After killing Dr. Kettering, he refuses Ygor's plea to leave the scene of the crime, then reluctantly obeys, only to confront Elsa Frankenstein, who he drags along until dropping her like a rock on the dungeon floor. When he decides that he wants Cloestine's brain placed into his skull, nothing will deter him, not even a loyalty pledge by Ygor ("Tonight Ygor will die for you!") will alter his thinking. Then a "true monster" is created when Dr. Bohmer places Ygor's brain into the skull of the Monster. As noted by Ludwig Frankenstein, as he addresses Ygor that "put your sly and sinister brain into the body of a giant....that would be a monster indeed!" That's exactly what happens and we now have the "Ygorstein" Monster, a true evil being seeking power and control.
It made sense that Bela Lugosi would then take over the role in the next entry, '43 Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, after all, Ygor's brain is the Monsters. Much has been written and debated about the script changes, edited scenes, and the dialogue of Lugosi being erased. These actions threw chaos into the character. Was he blind...was he not ....was he mute or not, etc.
Lugosi, just like Chaney before him, played the role as the script and director dictated. Bela was 60 years old at the time, and unable to handle the more rigorous scenes required, so stuntman Gil Perkins handles it. Chaney also had stuntman Eddie Parker handle several of his scenes too. A more prudent decision would have been to let Gil Perkins handle the role and dub in Lugosi's voice. One thing that did emerge from this episode....the Monster walking stiff legged, with arms extended, thanks to Bela Lugosi. (Actually, it's Peter in Son of Frankenstein, showing Inspector Krogh and Amelia how "....a great big man with a hairy coat on....and he walked like this" with arms and legs stiffened.)
Next up, the final chapters of the series, House of Frankenstein, House of Dracula....and yes, even Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein....all have fine character actor Glen Strange in the role as the Frankenstein monster. All prior knowledge of the Ygorstein Monster is discarded as though it never took place. Glen is 6'4" and physically perfect for the role, but what is he required to do? The facts are, very little. The Monster is idle for the majority of his screen time until the climatic scenes in both "House" films. He does have more action in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, and even speaks. ("Yes, Master.")
The bottom line for me is, the character as written and portrayed by Boris Karloff, is without question, the ultimate.
We must acknowledge the character changes after Karloff. The actors that followed were doing as they were told. They had no say in the matter.
Chaney presents a powerful brute, one you certainly don't want to cross.
Lugosi presents what could have been, an excellent "Ygorstein" monster. His wry, evil smile as he's rejuvenated by the electrical machines is a classic Lugosi pose. It's unfortunate that the film was butchered. A golden opportunity lost.
Strange, an imposing figure in the costume, doesn't do much. That's not his fault, he's doing what he's told.
Boris Karloff in the James Whale films, no question....even in Son of Frankenstein.
Now for some deep discussion.
Can we all agree that the character of the Frankenstein monster changed drastically after '39 Son of Frankenstein?
The empathy and pathos presented by Karloff in the Whale films....and to a lesser extent in Son, is totally absent in the series that begins with '42 Ghost of Frankenstein.
I suggest we draw a very deep line in the sand here, perhaps of cavernous proportion as the final frame of Karloff's Monster in Son of Frankenstein fades to black.
The Monster in Ghost, as written, directed, and played by Lon Chaney is a brute....loyal to Ygor to a degree, but also independent. There's a small part of compassion in regards to the little girl Cloestine, but otherwise he's the "unimaginable brute" that Dracula speaks of in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. He brushes aside his pal Ygor like a pesky fly, as he seeks power from his mother, the lightning. After killing Dr. Kettering, he refuses Ygor's plea to leave the scene of the crime, then reluctantly obeys, only to confront Elsa Frankenstein, who he drags along until dropping her like a rock on the dungeon floor. When he decides that he wants Cloestine's brain placed into his skull, nothing will deter him, not even a loyalty pledge by Ygor ("Tonight Ygor will die for you!") will alter his thinking. Then a "true monster" is created when Dr. Bohmer places Ygor's brain into the skull of the Monster. As noted by Ludwig Frankenstein, as he addresses Ygor that "put your sly and sinister brain into the body of a giant....that would be a monster indeed!" That's exactly what happens and we now have the "Ygorstein" Monster, a true evil being seeking power and control.
It made sense that Bela Lugosi would then take over the role in the next entry, '43 Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, after all, Ygor's brain is the Monsters. Much has been written and debated about the script changes, edited scenes, and the dialogue of Lugosi being erased. These actions threw chaos into the character. Was he blind...was he not ....was he mute or not, etc.
Lugosi, just like Chaney before him, played the role as the script and director dictated. Bela was 60 years old at the time, and unable to handle the more rigorous scenes required, so stuntman Gil Perkins handles it. Chaney also had stuntman Eddie Parker handle several of his scenes too. A more prudent decision would have been to let Gil Perkins handle the role and dub in Lugosi's voice. One thing that did emerge from this episode....the Monster walking stiff legged, with arms extended, thanks to Bela Lugosi. (Actually, it's Peter in Son of Frankenstein, showing Inspector Krogh and Amelia how "....a great big man with a hairy coat on....and he walked like this" with arms and legs stiffened.)
Next up, the final chapters of the series, House of Frankenstein, House of Dracula....and yes, even Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein....all have fine character actor Glen Strange in the role as the Frankenstein monster. All prior knowledge of the Ygorstein Monster is discarded as though it never took place. Glen is 6'4" and physically perfect for the role, but what is he required to do? The facts are, very little. The Monster is idle for the majority of his screen time until the climatic scenes in both "House" films. He does have more action in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, and even speaks. ("Yes, Master.")
The bottom line for me is, the character as written and portrayed by Boris Karloff, is without question, the ultimate.
We must acknowledge the character changes after Karloff. The actors that followed were doing as they were told. They had no say in the matter.
Chaney presents a powerful brute, one you certainly don't want to cross.
Lugosi presents what could have been, an excellent "Ygorstein" monster. His wry, evil smile as he's rejuvenated by the electrical machines is a classic Lugosi pose. It's unfortunate that the film was butchered. A golden opportunity lost.
Strange, an imposing figure in the costume, doesn't do much. That's not his fault, he's doing what he's told.
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