MovieChat Forums > Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1976) Discussion > Frankenstein + The Monster From Hell

Frankenstein + The Monster From Hell

posted 18 years ago by jamesraeburn2003
8 replies | jump to latest

I love this film because the return of Terence Fisher and Peter Cushing ensured that it was a lot better than most of Hammer's later offerings. In their last Frankenstein picture, they tried to rework the original as a black comedy but it was a misguided attempt and Fisher's skill as a storyteller and his ability to emphasise the causes and consequences of the characters' actions was welcome. The only let down here was the brain transplant sequence, which sadly betrayed the film's low budget.

[–] chet19 18 years ago

The brain transplant was a bit limited, yes. But I thought it was kinda cool still. In the Hammer Frankensteins, I'm alwys torn beween thinking the Baron is just evil or mad or wahever. In this one is he Dr. Carl Victor. Then there was Dr. Victor Stein. Dr. Franke of course was another. Gotta lov peter Cushing.

[–] teejay6682 18 years ago

not my favorite film of the series, but for being the last one, it was nice to see the sadness and disappointment in peter cushing's face. you really felt the years of disapointment (from the previous films) in this one. although the end was the most openended one for a sequel (that would never happen) of the last couple films.

[–] it001k0306 17 years ago

The open ending is part of what makes this film great. You finally realise that the baron's pursuits have stripped him of everything he once had and that the asylum is, in the end, the only place left for him - a big, but mad, fish in a small pond. His determination to continue is only there because he has nothing else. Even his assistants look on in concern at the end as they realise there is no hope for, or end to, Frankenstein's once worthy dreams. the film is bleak and bloody but is a brilliant ending to Hammer's Frankesntein series and, wig aside, a fine epitaph to Cushing's best creation.

[–] sillyspaghetti 11 years ago

I found this one to be really morbid and depressing, especially when we find out why Sarah can't/won't talk.

[–] Dr_RoButtnik 9 years ago

Yea, as much as this pales to Curse or Horror or Woman, this might be Cushing's best performance as the baron. He's at his most subtly unhinged and it's the most layered version of the character.

"Weirdness was all he cared about. Weirdness and sex and plenty to drink."

[–] sillyspaghetti 8 years ago

It's on again and this time I can't seem to get past the fact that Peter Cushing looks like John Pertwee's Doctor in Doctor Who! I also just saw on the trivia that Peter thought the wig made him look like Helen Hayes!

[–] Cagney_1994 8 years ago

You must also remember that Peter lost his wife just before filming...maybe about 6 months earlier. That's why he looked so aged and gaunt.

RIP Mr Cushing. You are so dearly missed.

[–] ElectricWarlock 8 years ago

I thought the movie was okay. Not the best in the series but not the worst either. It is somewhere in the middle. Not a bad way to end a series, though.