BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1935)
Arguably the greatest film sequel ever made, and indisputably the apex of 75 years of Frankenstein films, Bride of Frankenstein takes a quantum leap in inventiveness and tone. Let us begin by hailing the great Boris Karloff's own inspired stretch as the Monster, who learns here not only to speak (even if it is with diction rudimentary by Olivier standards) but smoke a cigar as well. This is the pinnacle of Golden Age Horror, rife with the three P's of great moviemaking: Pity, Pathos, and Perversity — this last credited largely to Ernest Theiseger's indelible performance as the twisted genius who helps Dr. Frankenstein create a bride for the creature (Elsa Lanchester, in what likely will remain the greatest 4-minute cameo in cinema history for as long as monster movies are made). And all served up in a breathless 75 minutes?? Bravo!
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