Sci Fi History: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

Comedy legends met horror legends in 1948. Abbott and Costello have run-ins with the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney), Dracula (Bela Lugosi), and Frankenstein’s monster (Glenn Strange). The movie marked the end of the golden age of monster films and reinvigorated Abbott and Costello. The movie is considered one of the funniest in history and the duo’s finest.  Boris Karloff declined the role of the monster leaving the spot to Strange. Strange found the duo hilarious and laughed throughout filming leading to excess retakes.  At the very end, Vincent Price makes a cameo as the Invisible Man.  This is the movie to watch during Halloween season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg5N9FJc__Q

Sci Fi History: Frankenstein (1931)

The 1931 film, Frankenstein, deviates dramatically from Mary Shelley’s book. In the literature, the monster can read and displays an interest in classical works. The film portrays him as a grunting beast. Additionally, the monster’s behavior is the result of poor treatment. The film makes it clear that it was the result of an abnormal brain being implanted. Lastly, the book ends with the monster plotting suicide while the movie sends a lynch mob to eliminate him.

Today, people might giggle at some of the scenes in the film, but in 1931, it scared people senseless. In fact, the film opens with a warning. Although tame by today’s standards, the flower girl scene remains disturbing and creepy to this day. The film has spawned many sequels, parodies, and imitations.

It’s Alive:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H3dFh6GA-A

Girl in the pond:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9opHsLACk

The Monster’s end:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoL6a37d1Rg