Director: Terence Fisher
Starring: Peter Cushing, Shane Briant, Madeline Smith, David Prowse.
Rating: 15
Extras: Taking Over The Asylum: The Making Of Frankenstein and The Monster From Hell, Charming Evil: Terence Fisher at Hammer, Audio Commentary, Animated Stills Gallery.
FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL caused a bit of a stir when it was first released…mainly because it was seen as such a disappointment. But in reality, this film makes you remember just why Hammer produced some of the greatest Horror movies.
In the last of Hammer’s Frankenstein series, this film deals with Baron Von Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) hiding out in an insane asylum so he can continue working on his infamous experiments. He meets Dr Helder (Shane Briant), who was sentenced for the same crime as Frankenstein, and the pair join forces.
Terrence Fisher holds back nothing; brains are on display for everybody to see and the crudeness of it all will make you squirm for days. You just might think that David Prowse’s even more crudely put together prosthetics of the monster might take away that gothic magic, but if anything it adds more to it.
While the direction of the film really can be applauded, it’s the performances that truly give the film its magic. Cushing as Frankenstein can really get you going if you open your heads to a bit of movie magic. He has a way with being completely creepy without even trying. On the other hand you have Shane Briant who, while younger, has the look of years of evil in his eyes, but it oddly softens as the film progresses. The pair play off each other incredibly well, and with the wonderful Madeline Smith as Sarah thrown into the mix, it makes for a great watch.
It’s no masterpiece, sure, but it is still a great watch that ends Hammer’s Frankenstein series on a high. It might just be an underrated gem from the company. It’s wonderfully gothic, intense when it needs to be and has a great performance from Cushing. What more could you ask for?
Extras: For the Hammer Horror buffs, the DVD provides a great insight into the making of FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER OF HELL. The audio commentary with Briant and Madeline Smith is also worth listening to.
[usr=4]FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL is released on DVD & Blu-ray Dual Play Format from 28th April.
