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Son of Frankenstein (1939)

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 2
Fresh: 2 | Rotten: 0

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Average Rating: 3.4/5
User Ratings: 3,423

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Movie Info

The most elaborate--and longest--of Universal's Frankenstein series, Son of Frankenstein represents Boris Karloff's last appearance in the role of the Monster. The title character is played by Basil Rathbone, who with wife Josephine Hutchinson and son Donnie Donegan returns to the Old Country to take over his late father's estate. Rathbone receives a cool reception from the local villagers, who remember all too well the havoc wreaked by his father's monstrous creation. Though he assures his

Mar 29, 2005

MCA Universal Home Video

Cast

All Critics (18) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (17) | Rotten (1) | DVD (10)

Well mounted, nicely directed, and includes cast of capable artists.

September 23, 2007 Full Review Source: Variety | Comment
Variety
Top Critic IconTop Critic

A strangely literary and leisurely monster movie, laced with amusing gothic doodles.

September 23, 2007 Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | Comment
Chicago Reader
Top Critic IconTop Critic

A surprisingly good effort to extend the narrative of the first two films in a manner both intelligent and likely.

October 26, 2009 Full Review Source: Antagony & Ecstasy | Comment
Antagony & Ecstasy

Boasts some stunning set design by Russell Gausman, a good script, and a magnificent cast.

September 23, 2007 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | Comment
TV Guide's Movie Guide

not as good as Young Frankenstein, or the first two, but still a good effort

May 27, 2007 Comment

The set, shot in a style reminiscent of the German Expressionist classics, is superb.

June 24, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out | Comment

It's enjoyable, not really memorable, but certainly a cut above what would soon follow.

February 20, 2005 Full Review Source: Goatdog's Movies | Comment

A little too long, but beautifully designed and Lugosi carries the show.

September 23, 2003 Comment
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Great plot that could have been fleshed out more.

February 7, 2003 Comment
Sun Newspapers of Cleveland

Despite all its flaws, there are enough grand moments to make this into a superior Frankenstein tale.

November 6, 2002 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews | Comment
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

One of the very best of the series

October 17, 2002 Comment
Kalamazoo Gazette

The last great Universal Frankenstein feature, despite Rathbone's over-the-top performance. Karloff is splendid as the creature and Lugosi launches a new phase of his career as Igor.

October 5, 2002 Comment
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

It comes as no surprise that this creature feature isn't remembered as a horror classic.

November 29, 2001 Full Review Source: Apollo Guide | Comment
Apollo Guide
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Son of Frankenstein

In spite of great casting, without James Whale at the helm the overall result is campy and less artful. Not a horrible film but not in the same league as Whale's Frankenstein or Bride of Frankenstein.

January 13, 2009
flixsterman
Randy Tippy

Super Reviewer

This movie has a fantastic cast, an interesting story, and a classic monster, but it could have been a better movie. Still, I enjoyed it mostly.

September 5, 2010
ajv2688

Super Reviewer

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Foreign Titles

  • Son of Frankenstein (1939) (DE)
  • Son of Frankenstein (1939) (UK)
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