The Evil of Frankenstein (1964)

With Universal now releasing Hammer films in the US, they allowed the studio to ape the classic makeup. Better that they hadn't as this is one of worst makeups in the series. A rather bland story doesn't help this effort. The jewel of the movie is, as in most, Peter Cushing as the obsessed Baron.

Out of all the "Frankenstein" movies actor Peter Cushing made for Hammer Studios, "The Evil of Frankenstein" is considered by many critics to be the weakest of the series. That doesn't mean it's automatically a BAD movie. If you've liked the other in the series, and have a taste for Cushing and Hammer, you'll probably get some reasonable enjoyment out of the movie as I did. All the same, I did think the movie could have been a lot better. The main problem with the movie is the script, specifically when it comes to various actions that the characters make. There are a lot of stupid decisions and actions. For example, when the authorities in the town find out that Dr. Frankenstein has returned, they don't think of looking for him in his long abandoned castle for a very long time. Even Dr. Frankenstein himself seems significantly stupider than in other entries of this series, like when he is trying to stay undercover but confronts (twice) someone in the town who stole his property.But as I said in my summary line, there is still some fun here. Cushing is entertaining as usual, and as stupid as the movie may get at times, I admit I was never bored. If you are willing to accept a good many groaner character actions, the movie does entertain - just not as much as it could have, though.

This film from the Hammer Frankenstein series has been much maligned in the past - probably based on the monster's look which, would likely not please those looking for good visual effects.Hammer were barred from copying any details from the Universal films of the 30s and '40s, including the famous monster make-up. As this film was distributed by Universal, Hammer had free rein to copy elements from the franchise, most noticeably the style (if not the application) of the creature's make-up and the laboratory sets. This gave the picture an extremely authentic look and feel.Lead Peter Cushing was meticulous about the technical details of the role, going as far as to seek advice on holding the scalpel correctly when performing medical scenes. - and this shows.The plot and production is where the piece excels. The Baron, now skinflint holds on to the eagerness of his assistant Hans in continuing his experiments to re-animate life. Though, this is not possible without the help of a mystic, Zoltan. Unfortunately, said mystic, fueled by his own hate and greed, sends the creature into the town to pillage and kill. The townspeople turn on Baron Frankenstein, leaving him desperate to find a way of ending the terror.One of my favourite Hammer films beginning to end.

The Evil of Frankenstein is directed by Freddie Francis and written by John Elder. It stars Peter Cushing, Sandor Eles, Peter Woodthorpe and Katy Wild. Music is by Don Banks and cinematography by John Wilcox.Returning back to Karlstad after a ten year absence, Baron Frankenstein (Cushing) hopes that the town has forgotten his monstrous impact on the town previously. With assistant Hans (Eles) in tow, it's not long before the Baron stumbles upon his monster creation frozen in a glacier of ice...Anything they don't understand, anything that doesn't conform to their stupid little pattern...they destroy.With Hammer Films finally getting friendly with Universal Pictures, The Evil of Frankenstein forgets the two previous Hammer Frankenstein movies and goes for what is in all essence a rehash of Karloff's stomping days. That's not necessarily a bad thing if one can judge the film as a standalone movie? But creativity is sparse and it's left to the cast and technical department to create an above average Frankenstein movie.Yep, it sure does look nice, with impressive costuming and well dressed sets, it's a Hammer movie for sure. Bank's score is also classic Hammer strains. Cushing gives his usual dose of quality, though he is a touch restrained here in terms of committed emotion, and you have to smile at his James Bond moment during one getaway scene while a buxom babe looks on with kinky lustation in her eyes. Elsewhere it's a safe turn of cast performances, with future Dad of Delboy Trotter, Woodthorpe, camping it up as the scheming and revenge fuelled hypnotist Zoltan, Wild isn't asked to do much, and neither is Eles, who seems to be in it for some continental flavour. Francis is no Terence Fisher, but he has a good visual flair and he can construct a very good action sequence, such as the excellent finale here.There's problems for sure; familiarity of Frankenstein movies in general hurts, the make up for the creature is very poor, one back screen projection sequence is very cheap even by low grade Hammer standards, while some of the Baron's reactions to situations don't bear up to logical scrutiny. It's not hard to understand why it's a very divisive movie amongst the Hammer Horror faithful. Yet its merits hold up well and it never once sags or becomes tiring. Cushing, Wilcox and that finale ensure it's a decent night in by the fire. 6.5/10