The Ghost of Frankenstein

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Cast & Crew

Lon Chaney Jr.
The Monster

Cedric Hardwicke
Ludwig Frankenstein

Bela Lugosi
Ygor

Ralph Bellamy
Erik

Lionel Atwill
Doctor Bohmer

Evelyn Ankers
Elsa Frankenstein

Janet Ann Gallow
Cloestine

Barton Yarborough
Dr. Kettering

Doris Lloyd
Martha

Leland Hodgson
Chief Constable

Olaf Hytten
Hussman

Holmes Herbert
Magistrate

Dwight Frye
Villager (uncredited)

Michael Mark
Councillor (uncredited)

Harry Cording
Frone (uncredited)

Erle C. Kenton
Director

Charles S. Gould
Assistant Director

W. Scott Darling
Screenwriter

George Waggner
Producer

Hans J. Salter
Original Music

Elwood Bredell
Cinematographer

Milton R. Krasner
Cinematographer

Ted J. Kent
Film Editor

Jack Otterson
Art Direction

Russell A. Gausman
Set Decoration

Vera West
Costume Designer

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Critic Reviews for The Ghost of Frankenstein

Audience Reviews for The Ghost of Frankenstein

• Sep 22, 2014

  Still ALIVE! despite missing the stylish H'Wood Golden Age DNA that links it with the classic Karloff years, Ghost takes the franchise from A-Level fright-fest to B-Movie fright-fussed with only occasional bolts of energy to keep audiences invested. Picking up right where the last chapter left off and forsaking continuity for combustibility, Part 4 tries completely turning Dr. Frankenstein's once-sympathetic patchwork man into just a one-note rampaging Boogeyman. Fun but far from scary, this series officially became a Ghost of its former self with this, a hulking almost soul-less Golem that's more entertaining for its nostalgia than scares. In this unrated continuation of the classic horror series, the monster (Lon Chaney, Jr.) and his crazed companion (Bela Lugosi) seek out the other son (Sir Cedric Hardwycke) of Dr. Henry Frankenstein to coerce him into repeating his father's experiment of placing a fresh brain in the head of the monster. In the shadow of Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr. admittedly had impossible shoes to fill but here, he fits the lunk-headed bill. He's certainly capable of a monstrously good turn. This actor, after all, beautifully conveyed the troubled angst of Larry Talbot and his unleashed feral alter-ego in The Wolf Man. Playing second fiddle to Bela Lugosi's nutjob cripple - and ace horn player - Igor, the character could've easily become a simple screen heavy. His interactions with a friendly girl ground the, ahem, drama, which is saying a lot when the drama involves putting Lugosi's brain in Chaney's head. Just like a haunted house, however, there's still fun to be had if you buckle up for the cheap more than honest-to-goodness thrills. Bottom line: Ghost in a Shell
  Jeff B Super Reviewer
• Oct 18, 2012

  With Boris Karloff's departure from the franchise, it's left to Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr. to carry on in The Ghost of Frankenstein. In this chapter the Monster is freed from his sulfur tomb when villagers blowup Castle Frankenstein, allowing Ygor to rescue him and sneak off in search of Dr. Frankenstein's second son, Ludwig Frankenstein. Unfortunately, Lon Chaney Jr.'s depiction of the Monster is rather bland and doesn't convey the emotional expressiveness that Karloff gave. Also, the story is formulaic for the most part; though there are some interesting aspects to it. The Ghost of Frankenstein is an underwhelming sequel that stretches for material, but it still delivers an entertaining adventure.
  Dann M Super Reviewer
• Oct 10, 2012

  Despite the short running time (which was commonplace during that time period), 'Ghost of Frankenstein' is a rather ambitious installment in the venerable franchise. Instead of a story about the revitalization of dead tissue, the plot is more sinister and conniving with Igor hoodwinking the estranged son of Dr. Frankenstein to transplant his brain in the monster's brawny body. Lugosi is still gruffly despicable as Igor whose allegiance to the monster finally devolves into a highly manipulative relationship where he rescues the monster from being lynched by a village mob only to preserve his body for his ulterior motives. The sets are impeccably gothic and the pyrotechnic demolition of the mansion at the beginning is an explosive hook. Overall, 'Ghost of Frankenstein' is a sterling example of Universal's carte blanche with Mary Shelley's classic novel.
  

  Cory T Super Reviewer
• Sep 05, 2010

  One of the better universal monster movie sequels. It's got all the good actors, a good story, and it's exciting.
  Aj V Super Reviewer

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