Much like John Carpenter and Halloween II, director James Whale felt he’d explored every possible corner in 1931’s Frankenstein and had no more to say. The huge success of the film, however, meant Universal Pictures was eager to recapture that success with a sequel. Once Whale directed The Invisible Man, producer Carl Laemmle Jr. became wholly convinced only Whale could helm the follow-up to Frankenstein. Whale ultimately accepted, while taking full advantage to get other projects he wanted greenlit in the process.
More importantly, he didn’t believe there was any way to top Frankenstein, so he decided to take full creative control to make its sequel, at the very least, entertaining. The move ensured that not only did Bride of Frankenstein offer up one of horror’s most iconic movie monsters, but that it would endure as one of the greatest films of all time.
Released in limited theaters on April 20, 1935, Bride of Frankenstein gathers author Mary Shelley (Elsa Lanchester), Percy Bysshe Shelley (Douglas Walton), and Lord Byron (Gavin Gordon) together on a stormy night. The men praise Shelley for her tale of Frankenstein, and the horror author reveals the saga isn’t over- there’s much more story left to tell for the Monster and his creator. The story then shifts gears, picking up immediately where the previous film ended.
Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) lives, and so too does his creation. While Henry is being nursed back to health by Elizabeth (now played by Valerie Hobson), the Monster is on his own path making new friends and evading those that mean him harm. In this sequel, he learns to speak, something actor Boris Karloff hated. The Monster’s arc is one of growth, while Henry becomes eclipsed by an even madder scientist in Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger).
The Monster’s frequent interactions with all varieties of humanity aren’t just reflected in his newfound speech but his appearance, too. Legendary makeup effects artist Jack Pierce designed various stages for the Monster, altering his look dramatically not only between films but throughout the sequel to show the passage of time. He begins Bride visibly damaged from the fire, which heals over the runtime. More interestingly, the Monster’s hair grows continuously. It’s a subtle yet remarkable detail for the character.
As for the eponymous and scene-stealing monster, the Monster’s Mate only appears in the climax. Similar to Frankenstein, the opening credits list the character as played by a question mark. The closing credits reveal the actor to be Shelley herself, Elsa Lanchester. Pierce co-created her look with Whale, especially her electric hair.
Proving once again how well the Universal Classic Horror films handled empathetic monsters, Frankenstein’s creature longs for connection only to be viciously rejected by an undead mate that also had no say in the matter. A monstrous and heartbreaking morality tale for all. It’s not just the iconic appearance of the Monster’s Mate that sells the horror of this final moment, but Lanchester’s guttural growls, hisses, and physicality. Lanchester emulated her performance after territorial swans from a park she visited on the regular. It’s as much her performance as it is the stunning makeup design that makes the Bride such a lasting character.
In the 85 years since release, Bride of Frankenstein developed a reputation for camp. Particularly due to the eccentricity of Dr. Pretorius. His over the top behavior and his gleeful collection of miniature homunculi in bottles introduce him as a far less serious villain than the previous film’s. The Monster’s revelry in making new friends and his speech further lends a playful tone to the film. In a modern context, Bride of Frankenstein can easily read as camp, but it feels more accurate to perceive the tone as Whale’s imbuing a sequel with humor for entertainment purposes. As much for himself as a director initially reluctant to take on the project as it is for viewers seeking new thrills with old characters.
The humor, the horror, and Whale’s unique and bold direction make for one of the best horror sequels of all time. Or rather, a continuation. Henry and his creation further grow and develop, but they’re matched by more horrific versions of themselves in Dr. Pretorius and the Monster’s Mate. The rich themes and complex story layers only further fuel the lasting legacy of an all-time classic.
Dr. Pretorius said it best, “To a new world of gods and monsters!”
