Son of Frankenstein

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Son of Frankenstein

1939,

1h 39m,

Horror

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Watchlist

95%

38 Reviews

Tomatometer

71%

2,500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

71%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

Baron Wolf von Frankenstein is determined to prove the legitimacy of his father's scientific work, thus rescuing the family name from disgrace. With the help of Ygor, a grave robber, Wolf successfully reanimates the monster his father originally brought back from the dead. But when several villagers are killed mysteriously, Wolf must find the culprit in order to vindicate his creation, or face the possibility that he may be responsible.

Critics Consensus

Boris Karloff's final appearance as the Monster is a fitting farewell before the series descended into self-parody.

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SMH Staff

Sydney Morning Herald

Oct 14, 2020

Amusingly entertaining with some "chilly" moments.

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Age Staff

The Age (Australia)

Oct 14, 2020

If the story has any value, it contains a rather unnecessary warning to medical men not to carry scientific curiosity too far. None of this detracts, however, from the quality of the acting.

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Times (UK) Staff

The Times (UK)

Oct 14, 2020

Altogether a workmanlike essay in synthetic horror, and Mr. Rathbone enters with relish into the spirit of it.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Apr 29, 2025

Rowland V. Lee’s handsome production remains an intelligent, well-made classic of the genre and Universal’s last great horror film.

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Duncan Bowles

Den of Geek

Oct 14, 2020

4/5

Works as a healthy reminder of how superb horror can be, balancing tragedy and humour and making me yearn for a return to using strong actors and plot to give the genre the respect it really deserves.

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Basil Wright

The Spectator

Oct 14, 2020

The Son of Frankenstein is, in short, a missed opportunity for all save the most unsophisticated.

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Abraham R

Mar 4, 2019

sequels in those days much better than nowadays

May 27, 2018

Brilliant movie. Also, nearly identical to Mel Brooks "Young Frankenstein".

Hagrid G

Mar 22, 2018

For the most part it is nothing more than a blatant retread of the original, except with different characters and notably improved filming techniques, which are almost entirely helpless in saving the film.

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George S

May 15, 2017

Completely bonkers sequel to the original James Whale classic. The most striking elements are its Expressionist production design and lighting, and the almost comic tone - very obviously the major influence on Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. Basil Rathbone declaims every line as if subtlety is a waste of time, Bela Lugosi seems to have borrowed the Wolfman's make-up, and it's once again left to Boris Karloff to supply the humanity and vulnerability. Good fun.

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Kylo M

Mar 24, 2013

Ygor was Lugosi's best role ever!

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Rowland V. Lee

Director

Basil Rathbone

Baron Wolf von Frankenstein

Boris Karloff

The Monster

Bela Lugosi

Ygor

Lionel Atwill

Krogh

Josephine Hutchinson

Elsa von Frankenstein

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Synopsis

Baron Wolf von Frankenstein is determined to prove the legitimacy of his father's scientific work, thus rescuing the family name from disgrace. With the help of Ygor, a grave robber, Wolf successfully reanimates the monster his father originally brought back from the dead. But when several villagers are killed mysteriously, Wolf must find the culprit in order to vindicate his creation, or face the possibility that he may be responsible.

Director: Rowland V. Lee
Producer: Rowland V. Lee
Screenwriter: Wyllis Cooper
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 13, 1939, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 11, 2015
Runtime: 1h 39m

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