Wuchak
5
By Wuchak
_**Formidable monster and nice Gothic ambiance, but too simple and drab**_
Hammer Studios did 7 Frankenstein films in 17 years from the late 50s to early 70s as follows:
1. The Curse of Frankenstein (1957); 2. The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958); 3. The Evil of Frankenstein (1964); 4. Frankenstein Created Woman (1967); 5. Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969); 6. The Horror of Frankenstein (1970); and 7. Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974).
Peter Cushing played Baron Frankenstein in every one of these except "The Horror of Frankenstein." The reason being "Horror" was a remake of the original story and they needed a much younger actor to play the role; they chose Ralph Bates (who superbly plays the love-to-hate satanist in "Taste the Blood of Dracula," released the same year).
"Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell" was the last hurrah for the series. The story involves a young doctor, Simon Helder (Shane Briant), who is fascinated by Frankenstein's works and gets sentenced to an asylum for practicing sorcery. There he meets the thought-to-be-dead Baron Frankenstein, now going by the name Dr. Victor (Cushing), and they team-up to carry on his gruesome work, which results in the titular monster.
This is an unmistakable Hammer film and solid Gothic horror, but it's held back by a simplistic plot and dreary ambiance. The story lacks the fascinating and innovative approach of the two previous films, "Frankenstein Created Woman" and, especially, "Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed," which represent the best of the series IMHO. Furthermore, the setting of the story is too one-dimensional, basically being limited to the asylum, which adds to the dreariness. Speaking of which, the film lacks the bright colors usually associated with Hammer horror. The drab palate does up the ante of the Gothic ambiance, but it'll likely disappoint those expecting the lushness of typical Hammer horror.
On the plus side, the Neolithic creature looks seriously bestial and is formidable, played by David Prowse, aka Darth Vader of the first three Star Wars flicks. From a distance he looks impressive, but close-ups reveal curious blow-up biceps, which hampers the illusion, although it didn’t really bother me. Regardless, the monster evokes a good amount of pathos. Another plus is the beautiful Madeline Smith of "Live and Let Die" fame, who plays the Baron's mute assistant, Sarah.
The story is basically a drama with horror trappings and, more specifically, a tragedy; so those expecting the overt horror antics of most slasher flicks will be let down. It focuses on how Baron Frankenstein’s obsession with his brilliant-yet-dubious experiments have led to the only place left for him, the asylum, where he’s a big fish in a small pond. He maintains his optimistic determination because he’s sacrificed everything and there’s nothing else left for him in life. Speaking of which, while what happens to one or two characters is tragic, as usual, the climax is surprising (even a couple of the characters look surprised). It’s a nice change for the series, not to mention a good way to close it.
At the end of the day "Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell" is a solid Hammer horror film and a fine way to end their series, but it lacks the color and pizzazz of the previous two Cushing installments. As such, it's overall mediocre.
The movie runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot at EMI Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, just northwest of London.
GRADE: C
