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Dan Curtis' Frankenstein

Michael F. Housel | 12/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 1973 Dan Curtis "Frankenstein" is an eloquent, 2-part video-taped production. A contemporary of the equally stylish "Frankenstein: the True Story", the Curtis version was originally relegated as episodes of the late-night, television series, "Wide World of Mystery".

Bo Svenson (coined as the "giant", as opposed to the "monster" or "creature") gives a powerhouse performance as Shelley's misunderstood specimen. Indeed, Svenson conveys the anticpated danger that one naturally associates with this character, but his focus is ultimately on confusion and sensitivity. In essence, such traits have always been the essence of Shelley's iconic figure; Svenson expertly understands and embodies such.

Robert Foxworth is an excellent, credible Victor; Susan Strasberg is an on-target Elizabeth. The auspicious John Karlen, of Curtis' "Dark Shadows", is also featured. (Incidentally, he and Foxworth offer commentary on the DVD release.) In a twist of casting, a lovely blonde replaces the blind man/hermit, and the result is uniquely engaging, touching.

In addition to Karlen's presence, those who fancy "Dark Shadows" will appreciate the production's overall, unpretentious feel. (For those in the know, "Dark Shadows" actually tackled Shelley's themes with its "Adam/Eve" storyline.) This version also sports Robert Cobert's distinctive music, which further invokes a "Dark Shadows" aura. (In the same vein, fans of Curtis' "Jekyll/Hyde" and "Dorian Gray" will feel at home with this "Frankenstein". Fans of the BBC, Louis Jourdan "Count Dracula" will also find it worth while.)

If one has a hankering for classic monsters and good, old-fashioned horror retellings, Dan Curtis "Frankenstein" is a must to view and own. Simply put, they just don't make them like this anymore. A pity, indeed, but at least through this DVD release, one will have a chance to re-experience an example of a gothic story done right."

Dan Curtis Classic

Brian Lueth | Chicago, IL United States | 09/10/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This Dan Curtis television adaptation was wonderfully made with classy production design and fantastic performances by Foxworth as Frankenstein, the beautiful Susan Strasberg as Elizabeth and Bo Svenson as the gentle, misunderstood Monster. If you're a fan of those super sweet shot-on-video Dark Shadow's soaps of the 60's & 70's this is an absolute must and a perfect addition to any classic horror collection.

I positively loved this release. Obviously, there's not going to be a ton of available extras for something from 1973 but that's to be expected. The video transfer is a tad rough at times as well but, once again, I'm sure Dark Sky did the best they could with what they had to work with. Many of those old made-for-TV movies are in poor shape these days so I'm going to give this a big thumbs up that this even saw the light of day. Great film, highly recommended."

A Below Average Curiosity from the Great Dan Curtis

Joseph Morales | California | 06/02/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I was very excited to see this Frankenstein advertised, being a fan of other Curtis productions like Dark Shadows, The Night Stalker, and the Jack Palance version of Dracula. However, this movie occupies a curious limbo. In style, production values, and acting, it is very much like the original Dark Shadows TV series. It even has almost identical music by the same composer, and the presence of John Karlen (Willie from Dark Shadows) as the doctor's sidekick. But what worked well in the context of an ongoing Gothic soap is rather disappointing when transplanted to a feature. The whole look of the production is particularly stagebound, which is probably the fault of poor lighting. It's a bit like watching an amateur theatrical. Nothing becomes believable, or atmospheric, enough to be moving. A much better TV adaptation from around the same time is Frankenstein - The True Story with James Mason and Jane Seymour."