Hammer's Young Frankenstein
Young Victor Frankenstein (Ralph Bates) is a bright but arrogant young man who when he isn't studying the human body is just as likely to be out witting and mocking his elders. It is that fascination with the human body which leads him into trying to create life by hiring a grave robber to get him human body parts except when it comes to the brain it is accidentally dropped. When Frankenstein's Monster (David Prowse) is brought to life during an electrical storm it turns out to be a deranged killer which Frankenstein decides to keep locked in his basement so that he can use him whenever someone threatens to blackmail him including his housemaid/lover Alys (Kate OMara).
Look, as a Hammer horror movie "The Horror of Frankenstein" is not great and in fact at times feels like they had run out of ideas and so started remaking earlier movies with a different, younger cast. As such whilst there are some variations to the familiar storyline of Frankenstein and his monster for the most it feels familiar. But "The Horror of Frankenstein" isn't just a Hammer horror as it also wants to be a horror comedy and again it isn't a great comedy with the occasional humour almost seeming to have been tossed in to the mix more out of accident than intention.
But "The Horror of Frankenstein" is, despite not being by any means great, a surprisingly watchable movie. There is something quite enjoyable about Ralph Bates' performance as the young Frankenstein, that level of arrogance and laid back charm makes him surprisingly engaging. The whole matter of fact attitude he has as if he doesn't care that playing God is wrong constantly brings a smile to your face. Elsewhere it has to be said that whilst Kate O'Mara stars as Alys, Frankenstein's lover, I would actually say that her cleavage plays an even bigger part in the movie.
The thing is that whilst "The Horror of Frankenstein" is entertaining it is in such a light, almost accidental manner at times that it isn't going to be for everyone. It seems at times to be too tongue in cheek although it strangely works yet because so much seems to have worked more out of accident you are not sure whether it is a good movie or a poor movie which ends up entertaining.
What this all boils down to is that "The Horror of Frankenstein" will entertain if you are looking for something a bit tongue in cheek but not full on spoof. But it isn't a movie which once watched you are going to say to yourself I must watch that again.
