The Ghost of Frankenstein

Gone are the times of the excellent parts of this series that formed this genre. Now this is a much lower league. More like Little League. But the screenplay is a pearl that deserves praise. If only the way it brings the Ygor and Frankenstein’s Monster duo back to life (both having died in the previous episode) makes it worthy competition to the best screenplays from the pen of Ed Wood. And the whole picture continues in the same “ingenious" spirit. Casting “werewolf" Chaney proved to be right on target - anywhere else but into the bullseye, mind you. Not much wonder that Karloff didn’t want to appear this time round. Not even occasional non-studio scenes help and the magical atmosphere has disappeared into the hills and far away. On the other hand, thanks to the short running time it goes by pretty briskly, the music is effective and you’ll have fun watching it. Mostly at the expense of the filmmakers, but it’s pleasantly funny, not ridiculous. (11.03.2008)