The Horror of Frankenstein (1970)

Director: Jimmy Sangster
Starring: Ralph Bates, Kate O'Mara, Veronica Carlson

Synopsis:
A ruthless Victor Frankenstein experiments with life and death no matter the cost.

Impressions:
It feels odd having a Hammer Frankenstein movie without Peter Cushing as the good Baron. While I'm partial to Cushing, I have to admit that Ralph Bates does a good job as a thoroughly evil Victor Frankenstein. Most of the focus is on Frankenstein's experiments, such that the monster isn't even debuted until the last thirty minutes. If you're here for the monster, you're going to be disappointed. While David Prowse has size in his favor, the makeup work is very low-key and he doesn't get to do much. Definitely don't expect anything close to the book's portrayal. Worse still is the ending, which ties things up in such an underwhelming fashion that it ends up being almost comical. The main draw is Bates' performance of Frankenstein's villainy and that's enough to get me to recommend it for a watch, but if you have more conventional expectations for a Frankenstein movie, it'll be more of a take it or leave it deal.

Rating:
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