 Decemberdike # 9
The Horror of Frankenstein (1970)
The Horror of Frankenstein has four impressive things in it's favour. Two of those belong to Kate O'Mara, the third is Dave Prowse's excellent monster which in my opinion is as good as any since the mighty Karloff in the thirties, and the fourth and best is Ralph Bates.
Although not exactly a success in the role of Frankenstein, Bates brings an enthusiasm to the part which is unequaled. It's not a subtle performance (I don't think Bates does subtle) it's a blackly comic portrayal which unlike Peter Cushing's previous takes elicits no sympathy whatsoever. He's funny, dynamic and brashly obnoxious and utterly ruthless with it.
As far as Hammer Frankenstein films go it's not a patch on Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969) or The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958) but it is a hell of a lot of fun and doesn't deserve the criticism it receives.
|