The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958) User Reviews

Peter Cushing Always Great

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 1 November 2010]

Victor Frankenstein (Peter Cushing), now just Victor Stein to hide from authorities after escaping the guillotine and killing a priest, cannot stop doing medical experiments, this time transferring a live brain to a corpse. But there's a side effect he may not like! T

his film features a "dull monster", says Howard Maxford, but I think he misses the point. You don't need a hulking, deformed creature to be a "monster" -- science gone wrong can be monstrous enough by itself. When Karl, the man with the transplanted brain, starts feeling the side effects he is every bit as creepy as Boris Karloff ever was.

Maybe not as good as its predecessor, but it starts with a bang and stays strong for its duration.

Another Good Horror Movie from Hammer

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 2 September 2014]

Baron Victor Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) is sentenced to the guillotine but he succeeds to escape facilitated by the hunchback Karl Immelmann (Michael Gwynn) to Carlsbruck in Germany adopting the alias Doctor Victor Stein. Three years later, he is a successful physician in a poor hospital. Doctor Hans Kleve (Francis Matthews) recognizes Frankenstein and blackmails him to be his assistant. Dr. Stein shows a perfect body and tells to Dr. Kleve that Karl will donate his brain to a healthy body. They successfully transplant Karl's brain to the new body and Dr. Stein hides Karl in the attic. However a snoopy janitor (George Woodbridge) witnesses the transportation to the room and tells to the nurse Margaret Conrad (Eunice Gayson) that the doctors have hidden a patient in the attic. Meanwhile Dr. Kleve comments with Karl that he will become a medical sensation and Karl is afraid of the situation. When Margaret finds Karl in the attic, he convinces her to release the straps that hold him to the bed. Karl runs to Dr. Steins's laboratory but he is attacked by a man that believes that he is a burglar. When Dr. Stein and Dr. Kleve arrive in the laboratory, Karl has already gone leaving two deaths on his path. What will happen to Karl and to Dr. Frankenstein?

"The Revenge of Frankenstein" is a good sequel of "Frankenstein" despite the title since there is no revenge. This is a good movie from Hammer and that is not a surprise having director Terence Fisher and Peter Cushing in the cast. Dr. Frankenstein giving explanations to Dr. Kleve about his transplantation procedure is very funny. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

Interesting story

[rosscinema · 7/10 · 26 June 2003]

This is one of those horror films thats more thought provoking than scary and that was one of the best things about these films from Hammer studios. Story has Victor Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) being saved at the guillotine and popping up in Carlsbruch as Dr. Stein. The other doctors in the area are always talking about this mysterious doctor and one young doctor named Hans Kleve (Francis Matthews) discovers who he really is and wants to help him in his future experiments. They take the brain out of a deformed dwarf named Karl and put it into a body that was built by Dr. Stein and the operation seems to go well. Karl is healing well and responding to everything okay but he doesn't want to be a medical spectacle for everyone to gawk at so he convinces a woman named Margaret (Eunice Gayson) who works there to loosen his straps and he climbs out the window. One of the side effects of the transplant is cannibalism and he has a hunger for flesh. Also, Karls brain is telling him he is deformed so the rest of his body begins to change! This is one of the few films that Cushing made for Hammer studios that didn't have Christopher Lee in the cast as well. The sets look great as they always do and it really captures the look of what this part of Europe must have looked like back then. The best thing about this film is the story. After they transfer the brain from one body to another the brain tells the new body its deformed and it reminded me that this aspect of the Frankenstein story was dwelled on only rarely. There is some horrifying moments during this film but its really a science fiction story with the emphasis on science. Great atmosphere and solid performances add to this overlooked Frankenstein entry. Also, veteran character actor Lionel Jeffries plays a grave digger! Well worth a look.

The Last True Sequel in Series

[uncacreepy · 8 March 2001]

Revenge of Frankenstein is the only true sequel in the successful Hammer series. It is interesting to note, that principal photography began scant days after the completion of 'Horror of Dracula,' and it does not require a trained eye to see the re-dressed and painted Dracula sets throughout the film. Production Designer, Bernard Robinson, and Director, Terence Fisher both told me the paint on some of the flats had yet to dry when shooting began. Peter Cushing had the opportunity to refine and develop his portrayal as the driven Baron Frankenstein. His dialogue is caustic, witty and at times humorous. This again was the Golden Age of Hammer, that magic period that lasted but a short time. The team of Fisher, Robinson, Lighting Cameraman, Jack Asher, and a completely dedicated cast and crew shines as brightly as those newly painted sets. One of the best of the period, and still plays well today.

Escaping from guillotine the stubborn Doctor, excellently played by Cushing , goes Germany where continues his ghoulish experiments

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 21 October 2018]

Dr Frankestein, Peter Cushing , escapes from guillotine being rescued by his servant and he then relocates to Carlsbruck, Germany, where he becomes a popular society physician, Dr Stein , but being panned by other doctors. Helped by another physician , Francis Matthews, restart the eerie, scary experiments by use parts of dead bodies. Meanwhile, a police inspector, John Stuart, investigates bizarre killings.

Another Jimmy Sangster written, Terence Fisher directed movie, being distinguished by their great earlier entries into the genre. Nicely and creepily made , but inferior followup to the original The Curse of Frankenstein, though superior to the subsequent sequel The Evil of Frankenstein . Peter Cushing gives an awesome acting , as always, as the malignant and misunderstood doc who just can not stop his macabre experiments and schemes to transfer his servant's brain into another sewn together creature and creating a new monster well incarnated by Michael Wynn .Support cast is pretty good, such as Francis Matthews, Michael Gwynn who went to star in several Hammer films , Lionel Jeffries , John Welsh , Eunice Gayson , the usual Michael Ripper and John Stuart who was a former matinee idol whose debut in movies was as long as1920.

It packs a colorful and brilliant cinematography by Jack Asher. Frightening as well as evocative musical score by Leonard Salcedo. The motion picture wes well directed by Hammer maestro , Terence Fisher . He was a prolific and fine artisan who realized some masterpieces , especially for Hammer Films . He directed all kinds of genres, standing out in Terror movies. As Terence directs such good movies as Frankenstein and the monster from hell, Frankenstein must be destroyed , Frankenstein created woman , The devil rides out , Island of the burning, Dracula prince of darkness, The brides of Dracula , Horror of Dracula, Island of terror, The gorgon , The phantom of opera, The curse of werewolf, The hound of Baskerville , The mummy, Race for life, Black glove, Blackout, Unholy four, Four sided triangle, Spaceways , 3 stops to murder, Man bait, A stolen face ,among others . Rating : acceptable and decente horror movie 6.5/10

Morbid science returns...

[Coventry · 7/10 · 8 February 2004]

The second entry in the noble Frankenstein series produced by Hammer and – as always – a joy to watch. Largely thanks to the performance of Peter Cushing who became one with this protagonist for 6 entire movies. Cushing perfectly knows who to make the most out of his character. As a viewer, you don't know whether to have sympathy for him…or despise him. He's a dedicated and hardworking scientist, yet he's doesn't seem to care much about human emotions and he's ultimately cruel. The screenplay by Jimmy Sangster is well-written and rather original…the development of the ‘monster' is completely different than usual and the script contains a lot of twisted and sadistic humor. The Revenge of Frankenstein has two extraordinary good sequences. Namely the entire beginning in which the Baron is brought to the Guillotine, condemned for the crimes against humanity he did in the past (The Curse of Frankenstein – 1956). This entire opening to the movie is very atmospheric, morbid and the perfect launch for a decent horror movie. Secondly, there is the magnificent climax containing an experiment-gone-wrong that brutally interrupts a high society party. This particular scene is the start for a very suspenseful finale with a few shocking parts and a terrific end scene. Certainly a must for all Cushing-, Fisher- and Hammer-fans and a nice waste of time for everyone with a little sympathy towards the genre of horror. Recommended!

Deserves the respect most Hammer films are owed..

[Space_Lord · 6/10 · 7 March 2005]

This isn't the best Hammer movie I've seen by any stretch of the imagination, but it still has some redeeming qualities. One, Peter Cushing is absolutely brilliant (again) as the good Baron. He is Frankenstein, and he cannot possibly be faulted for wanting to expand the boundaries of science and what is possible. As he says in the film "if the experiment had succeeded my work would have been hailed as a work of genius!". An interesting Frankenstein tale, with a young doctor recognizing the supposedly executed Baron in his new identity of Dr. Stein. The good baron realizes the young doctor's potential and takes him as an apprentice in his macabre practices.

Not the scariest film, but worth a watch as most Hammer films are.

Sequel to "The Curse of Frankenstein"

[Uriah43 · 6/10 · 13 June 2016]

This movie essentially picks up where the previous film, "The Curse of Frankenstein" ended with "Dr. Victor Frankenstein" (Peter Cushing) being led to the gallows as punishment for creating the monster that killed several innocent people. However, something happens just moments before the guillotine strikes and he manages to escape. Three years later we find that he has fled to Germany and continues his practice under the name "Dr. Stein". With him is his loyal servant "Karl" (Michael Gwynn) and a capable young doctor with a thirst for knowledge by the name of "Dr. Hans Kleve" (Francis Matthews). Unfortunately, although things are going smoothly at first, the dynamic changes when a beautiful young woman named "Margaret" (Eunice Grayson) volunteers to lend her services to the patients under his care. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this film turned out to be a good addition to the Frankenstein legacy with good acting and the necessary morbid atmosphere required for a movie of this type. Slightly above average.

The operation will be a success.

[lastliberal · 7/10 · 29 October 2010]

We last left Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) about to lose his head in the guillotine. Fortunately for us, we did not see the beheading, so they can perform a miracle in this film to save him. After all, he has five more of these to make for Hammer Films.

He is now Dr. Stein, a respected doctor who is still up to old tricks. This time with the assistance of another doctor (Francis Matthews) who saw him back in his old village.

His subject is much better looking this time, but only for a short time. A failure causes the man to turn into a monster, and the monster blurts out his name. The jig is up! What happens next is surprising, but it makes sure there is another sequel.

Outstanding Sequel to "Curse of Frankenstein"

[tomjeffrey2001 · 9/10 · 17 August 2009]

Released just a year after "Curse of Frankenstein," "Revenge of Frankenstein" chronicles the further adventures of Baron Victor Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) as he miraculously escapes the guillotine (his fate at the end of the first movie), relocates to a new town (Carlsbruck), assumes a new identity (Dr. Stein), and seemingly becomes a respectable citizen. Before long, however, the doc is up to his old tricks, collecting body parts and transplanting a brain into a new stitched-together creature. This time, his experiment seems to be a rousing success. However, things soon go awry.

Like the 1935 Universal classic "Bride of Frankenstein," this is one of those rare sequels that surpasses the original. Although "Revenge" is not quite in the same league as "Bride," The Creature (played by Michael Gwynne) is a much more complicated, and therefore more interesting, character than Christopher Lee's Frankenstein Monster, who was basically just a homicidal maniac. Karl (The Creature) is not evil, merely misunderstood and terribly unlucky.

Peter Cushing's Baron Frankenstein is also a much more sympathetic character than he was in "Curse of Frankenstein." There he did not hesitate to engage in cold-blooded murder to further his goals. Here we have a kinder and gentler Baron, resolute to be sure but not murderously ruthless. This remarkable character transformation is never explained nor even alluded to. But it makes the Baron a character we can root for, something that we could never do in the original movie. In that regard, the title is somewhat misleading, since revenge is not a major theme and the Baron is not out to get those who may have wronged him.

The same steady hands who guided Hammer's first "Frankenstein" film to box-office success -- Terence Fisher as director and Jimmy Sangster as screenwriter -- are also at the helm in this one. Cushing's presence adds a certain gravitas to the proceedings, and the other actors, particularly Gwynne, also turn in first-rate performances. Although there are few scares, the movie is well written and maintains the viewer's interest throughout.

It should be noted that, like most of Hammer's Frankenstein sequels, this one chronicles the further adventures of Victor Frankenstein and not the Frankenstein Monster. In that respect, they are quite unlike the Universal sequels, where the Monster eventually ran out of things to do and ended up being a virtual parody of himself. The original Monster would, in fact, return in the next Hammer sequel, "The Evil of Frankenstein," and again a few years later in "Horror of Frankenstein," which was a remake of "Curse" (this time with Ralph Bates as the Baron) rather than a sequel. Both of these films, while enjoyable in their own way (particularly for Hammerphiles), are inferior to this one and, in my opinion, not as good as the other sequels (most notably "Frankenstein Created Woman") that do not feature the original Frankenstein Monster.

Highly recommended.

Living Well Is The Best Revenge

[ags123 · 7/10 · 1 July 2019]

Exceeding expectations, "The Revenge of Frankenstein" is a classy Hammer production. While it purports to take the archetypal Frankenstein tale a step farther, it basically rehashes the same premise of resurrecting life in a dead body and the ensuing consequences. Peter Cushing's commanding presence, Terence Fisher's assured direction, along with fine sets and costumes (better than in many other Hammer films) elevate this to a higher level. It's no masterpiece, but it's worthwhile entertainment for those who like this sort of thing.

By far the best of the Hammer Frankenstein sequels and comes close to outshining Curse of Frankenstein

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 18 January 2015]

That is saying a lot, because I was underwhelmed- but did not hate- Evil of Frankenstein and Horror of Frankenstein, both of which were very well made and acted but both of which also had some lacklustre pacing, stories that took too long to set up, bad make-up for the monster and the monsters in both were lifelessly and un-menacingly acted. Evil of Frankenstein was guilty also of feeling like pre-existing plot lines(from Hammer) recycled and cobbled together and in a way that was muddled and was also contradictory, and Horror of Frankenstein being dialogue heavy and action starved and unfortunately the dialogue clumsily utilised some juvenile and misplaced humour.

The Revenge of Frankenstein however was a wonderful sequel and quite easily the best of the Hammer Frankenstein sequels. It also comes very close to outshining its predecessor The Curse of Frankenstein, which this viewer considers one of Hammer's finest hours(as well as their first) and does things different that comes off successfully with focusing more on Frankenstein than the monster and not making the monster misunderstood. Comparing the two together, I put them on the same level, something that is not achieved with most sequels. Like Curse there is very little wrong with Revenge, it's not as chillingly scary as Curse and once again(though nowhere near as fake as that of Evil and Horror) the make-up for the monster is not convincing, too normal-looking.

Like all of the Hammer Frankenstein and most of Hammer's filmography, Revenge looks absolutely great with typically outstanding Gothic set design, some of the richest uses of colour for any Hammer film, strikingly shadowy lighting and photography that is both handsome and atmosphere. Revenge also boasts a haunting score that compliments the atmosphere adeptly and is terrifically directed by Terence Fisher(who directed Curse as well), the only director of all four films to be fully up to the job; Freddie Francis for Evil and Jimmy Sangster for Horror have strengths elsewhere(Francis as cinematographer and Sangster as script-writer) but being out of their comfort zone. The script is on the same level in quality than that of Curse, there are no contradictory elements, it's not too talky and the humour is better used and of better quality. The script here is intriguing, witty and one of the most nuanced of any Hammer film and the humour is thankfully the very opposite of juvenile, instead it is of the darkly macabre and ironic kind and some of Frankenstein's lines were a real treat.

Revenge also has a completely engrossing story, it feels swiftly paced, has a lot of suspense and excitement, is filled with surprises and unexpected twists without being convoluted and gets to the point quicker than the sequels after it. While the film is never scary, it manages to be creepy. Like Curse(and Evil and Horror) it does focus more on Frankenstein than the monster, but that came off wonders because Frankenstein is a well-written and interesting character and the monster has more screen-time than the other three and is written in a more sympathetic way than the others as well. Not only is it compelling and atmosphere, but it also has heart and an emotional core, which Curse had but Evil and Horror didn't. The ending is brilliant and certainly not the anti-climax that was in Horror. And there is some excellent acting, with a once-again remarkable Peter Cushing in the definitive interpretation of Frankenstein. Francis Matthews is loyally impressionable and Michael Gwynn is astonishingly good as a poignant but subtly menacing monster, not as imposing of that of Christopher Lee in Curse but he brings more nuances and brings much more feeling and personality than Kiwi Kingston and David Prowse did for Evil and Horror.

Overall, a wonderful and almost superior sequel to one of Hammer Horror's best films, also ranking in the better half of their filmography. 9/10 Bethany Cox

"They will never be rid of me."

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 24 October 2015]

Considering the handful of Frankenstein movies I've seen including the original Karloff version (see my 'Havin' Fun With Frankenstein' list), the 'monster' in this one isn't particularly scary. In fact he's not really scary at all in terms of traditional horror films, but a rather normal looking guy you wouldn't know was put together from body parts assembled by Dr. Victor Stein (Peter Cushing) unless the good doctor said so. Except for that nasty gash across the top of his forehead of course, but if it didn't bother Miss Conrad (Eunice Gayson), then no big thing I guess.

The hook for the picture so to speak, would be in the way the 'new' Karl (Michael Gwynn) reacts to the brain transplant from his original deformed body. Since his brain was conditioned to function with a crippled arm and leg, the 'new' Karl slowly degenerates into a deformed state, further incapacitated by the idea of becoming a medical marvel to be studied endlessly once Dr. Stein's experiment is revealed as a success. As a cripple, the former Karl (Oscar Quitak billed as 'the dwarf') couldn't stand others staring at him with his affliction. Dr. Stein inadvertently predicted this would happen when he explained how the brain would try to function normally, even in a different environment. Unfortunately, functioning normally actually turned out to be an unintended consequence of his procedure.

Perhaps creepier than the 'monster' here was the degenerate working the medical ward who took pride in being like an animal and not washing. He skeeved me out describing how a layer of dirt functioned to keep one warm. Then there was the subject of Otto the chimp going cannibal following his own brain transplant and eating his monkey wife! When I heard that I thought to myself that maybe that would have been the better horror flick. You know, I kept my eye on Otto the entire time he was jumping around in his cage, and wondered why he just didn't escape by squeezing between the bars.

Bad film

[jacabiya · 1/10 · 20 October 2016]

The TV host said this is one of the scariest sequels in cinema history, and many agree. Well, I don't, even as the Hammer horror film fan I am. I was particularly surprised given that Terence Fisher directs and Jimmy Sangster wrote the script. Things didn't begin well for me when the TV host revealed the twist about the guillotine and the priest. Afterwards it all went downhill. The script, the main culprit, is contrived, full of predictability and lameness: a girl appears for no apparent reason except that there must be a beautiful lady in the plot, and then the deformed man meets her and falls in love, and after that, following a lead from the conveniently-placed ugly ward employee who is supposed to be funny, she is alone with Karl in his new body, tied up, and of course she is going to untie him, and later he will seek her. Everything goes great with the surgery but then Dr. Stein must step out, and of course something wrong will happen: Karl escapes, and so that you are assured that things are going to go really wrong the doctor and his assistant discuss the possibility of Karl becoming a carnivorous monster if he suffers a traumatic blow, and voila! Karl receives a blow and becomes a carnivorous monster, and then to make sure we understand, the doctor and the assistant arrive at the scene and the assistant asks: Do you think the fight may have affected Karl? By the way, how did he know there was a fight? The story of a lady and her daughter goes nowhere. There's no revenge. Meanwhile another body hangs around for no apparent reason, except of course for the unfathomable one we see at the end. Did the assistant also transplant the face of the doctor? With his old face, how is he going to hide his identity? Who knows? Who cares?

Baron Frankenstein cheats death again.

[michaelRokeefe · 1 August 2000]

Baron Frankenstein narrowly escapes the guillotine and takes on the name Dr. Stein to continue his work creating a man piece by piece and part by part. Peter Cushing is flawless and excellent as ever. The coordination of action and creepy music makes this one of the very best Frankenstein flicks. Director Terence Fisher knows how to tangle your nerves even when you know what to expect. This is just one of the masterpieces from the Hammer Studios.

Also in the cast are Francis Matthews, Michael Gwynn, Lionel Jeffries and Eunice Gayson.

A well made horror, an interesting take on Doctor Frankenstein.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 7/10 · 30 September 2023]

Doctor Frankenstein has moved on having escaped the guillotine, set to pick up his work, he transplants a living brain into a body. The process seems to be successful, until the subject learns of his future.

I'm not quite sure they got the title right, it implies that Doctor Frankenstein is keen to take revenge on those that sent him to the guillotine, it's more a story about him picking up his work where he left off.

Frankenstein is depicted as ak almost sympathetic character, he seems to be trying to do some good, he's not trying to create a monster, he seems to be trying to bring science on a bit, it's an interesting take. Cushing is of course brilliant in the role.

I had no idea Michael Gwynn was in this movie, but he does a great job as Karl, he's damaged, he's violent, but he also manages to draw in a degree of sympathy too.

Very well made as you'd expect, and if you're watching on blu ray, the colours are incredibly vibrant. The sets are excellent, and there's the usual array of horror equipment that you'd expect.

Enjoyable.

7/10.

Decent Hammer film with Peter Cushing at his best...

[Doylenf · 6/10 · 31 October 2007]

Other than the fact that it's never satisfactorily explained how Dr. Baron Frankenstein is able to come back from the grave with his head intact after an episode with the guillotine, THE REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN is an intriguing little thriller from Hammer with PETER CUSHING giving his customary very assured performance. The British actor says all his lines with brisk authority, even when the script is slightly absurd. He takes on a lab assistant who knows he is Baron Frankenstein posing as Dr. Stein, and a young woman applying for work among the poor.

Naturally, nothing goes right once he creates a monster, using the brain from his willing hunchback assistant, Karl. The story moves along at a fast clip with the usual plot twists and turns dreamed up by an imaginative scriptwriter. MICHAEL GWYNN is exceptionally good as the monster, displaying a wide range of emotions with great skill.

Summing up: A worthy sequel in the Frankenstein franchise by Hammer, competently acted by a skillful cast with Cushing at his best and Michael Gwynn very sympathetic as the creature who eventually turns on his master.

Lesser Sequel

[Vornoff-3 · 6/10 · 22 April 2011]

This sequel doesn't hold up as well as the original, particularly when you compare it to Universal's "Bride of Frankenstein," which works much better with the subject material. This version finds Cushing, having escaped the hangman's noose, hiding out under the name of "Stein" in a small German town, practicing medicine in a 19th Century free clinic. A local doc figures out his identity and asks to be taught how to make monsters. The monster in this one is disappointingly normal-looking and the pacing is slower than the previous one. Where "Bride" took the premise to new heights, this one just kind of stays at the same level as the last one. Also sadly lacks Christopher Lee, who may have been too busy with "Horror of Dracula" at the time. It's good, but not quite up to par.

Thinking man's Hammer horror

[Wuchakk · 6/10 · 20 September 2021]

Baron Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) is able to escape execution and set up shop in a new city under the pseudonym of Dr. Victor Stein. The Medical Council is jealous of his success and seeks to shut him down as Victor continues his macabre experiments with fresh new associate Dr. Hans Kleve (Francis Matthews). The Baron's dwarf helper is given a new body, but things go awry, as usual.

"The Revenge of Frankenstein" (1958) is the sequel to the original hit from the prior year, "The Curse of Frankenstein," but without Christopher Lee as the monster (since he was annihilated in a vat of acid). Head-turning Eunice Gayson is a highlight on the feminine front (she went on the play the sorta-iconic Sylvia Trench in the first two Bond flicks from 1962-1963).

This is a unique entry in the series as it surprisingly eschews formula in preference to focusing on Dr. Frankenstein's genius and fascination in creating life from assembled body parts with concentration on brain transplanting. His positive and negative traits are emphasized: He's brilliant and attracts success and envy, yes, but his obsession drives him to unethical practices.

It's similar to "The Curse of the Werewolf" (1961) in that there's a broodingly flat hour-long set up before amping up the thrills in the last act. Moreover, the film's hindered by ambiguity concerning the fragile results of the surgery and retrogression of the patient. The series would get increasingly better with the next three entries: "The Evil of Frankenstein" (1964), "Frankenstein Created Woman" (1967) and "Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed "(1969).

The movie runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot at Bray Studios and nearby Down Place & Oakley Green, just west of London.

GRADE: B-

Cushing At His Best!

[bsmith5552 · 7/10 · 18 October 2018]

"The Revenge of Frankenstein" begins where "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957) left off. It opens as Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) is being led off to an engagement with Madame La Guillotine. With the help of a trusted dwarf jailer (Oscar Quitak) and the executioner, he substitutes the attending priest in his place.

Cut to a pub where grave robbers Fritz (Lionel Jeffries) and Kurt (Michael Ripper) are planning to dig up a fresh body to sell to the medical profession. When they open the grave they discover the body of the priest instead of Dr. Frankenstein. Kurt flees and Fritz succumbs to a heart attack and is buried in the open grve.

Fast forward three years to Germany where we find the resourceful Doctor re-named as Dr. Victor Stein practicing his trade both at a prestigious surgery and administering to the poor in a broken down clinic in his off hours. It turns out that Stein has been "using" his poorer patients to obtain the body parts necessary for his "work".

An ambitious Dr. Hans Kleve (Francis Matthews) approaches Stein to become his assistant. Stein agrees and shows him his latest "creation' which he plans to use to house the brain of his faithful dwarf servant Karl. Karl is a mal formed hunch back who has readily agreed to the "operation".

Karl meets the fetching aristocratic Margaret (Eunice Grayson) one day and becomes enamored of her. Stein and Kleve perform the surgery and transfer successfully the brain of Karl the dwarf into the new body that Stein has 'built'. The "new" Karl is coming along and seems normal. Unscrupulous Bergman (John Welsh) an orderly in the clinic has seen Stein and Kleve bring Karl into a back room. He informs Margaret who visits the back room. Karl remembers her and pleads with her to loosen his restraints.

Karl escapes and goes to Margaret's stable at her home to hide. While she goes to fetch Dr. Kleve, Karl flees. He goes to Stein's laboratory, where a janitor (George Woodbridge) hits him several times damaging his delicate brain. Karl becomes deranged and kills the janitor. Later at a posh party at Margaret's home, Karl bursts in and dies in Stein's arms but not before calling him Frankenstein.

Now exposed, Stein's patients abandon him. Bergman turns his "poor" patients against him and they attack him almost beating him to death. Kleve takes Stein back to the laboratory where Stein whispers to him..."You know what to do" and..................................................................................

Peter Cushing once again delivers a superb performance as the mad doctor. There's plenty of atmosphere and creepy music to boot. The "monster" is nothing like the creepy monster in the previous film. He appears normal up to the time where his brain is damaged. You even have to feel a little sorry for him since his misfortunes are brought about by others.

Creepy ending. .

Another horror classic from Hammer.

[HumanoidOfFlesh · 9/10 · 20 March 2006]

Frankenstein escapes the guillotine and flees to Carlsbruck where he passes himself off as Dr Victor Stein and makes a living as a general practitioner.Three years later,while working in the town's hospital for the poor where he carries on his experiments,he is recognized by a visiting physician,Dr Hans Kleve and the two decide to work together on creating a new artificial man.Using donors from the hospital,Frankenstein has built a new body into which he agrees to transplant the brain of his hunchbacked assistant Karl.Once completed and given life,the new creature is left in the care of the poor hospital where a well-meaning nurse releases it.As the new Karl tries to destroy his old body,a sadistic janitor savagely beats the creature and his brain is badly damaged,triggering cannibalistic urges..."The Revenge of Frankenstein" is one of the best horror films from Hammer.It has many of the components of traditional Hammer horror(secret labs full of bubbling beakers,foggy streets and of course another great performance by Peter Cushing),but it also has a surprisingly gentle monster whose story is as much sad as it is horrifying.Recommended.9 out of 10.

A colorful British gothic horror over a Frankenstein sequel continues at Hammer trademark!!

[elo-equipamentos · 7/10 · 18 July 2023]

It's a sequel of the successful The Curse of Frankenstein which saved Hammer of bankrupt in 1956, it's was a turning point at Hammer, right away they planned a follow up of this high profitable franchise that was going until 1961, this British gothic horror aftermaths paved a solid position of Hammer that later became as legendary Trademark on those unforgettable colorful horrors.

The Revenge of Frankenstein followed the same pre-stablished concept of its predecessor, the picture starts where the original left off, Baron Victor Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) at dawn is going to behead at guillotine, later we'll figure out how he escapes from there aid by deformed Karl (Michael Gwinn) they flee into the auspicious German city Carlsbruck, there he is introduces himself as Dr. Victor Stein, soon became the most requested Doctor at high society in town, split his job assisting a poor people free at small improvised hospital, arising jealous from their class that came together at medical board to vote what can they do about.

Meanwhile a young Doctor Hans Kleve (Francis Matthews) suspicious his real identity as the already dead Baron Victor Frankenstein, due his extreme resemblance, on the meeting Dr. Hans just claims working together with so famous doctor, both have an agreement, henceforth Dr. Victor shows his advanced laboratory with an energy generator designed by himself aiming for rekindle a dead body inserting the deformed Karl's brain into a perfect body, the operation is successful at first sight, sadly he hears from Dr. Hans his sad fate, Dr. Victor actually envisages expose on scientific community his brilliant discovery, a new Karl with his old deformed body, upon such outrageous plight Karl burn his old body, to worsen appears a collateral effects on the wretch Karl.

Stunning sequel also directed by the master Terence Fisher that became later on most prolific director on British gothic horror, implying a colorful movie as never seen before starting it on first "the Curse of the Frankenstein" and applying the same method in this valuable sequel, another highlight is the lavish laboratory set likewise the previous one.

Thanks for reading.

Resume:

First watch: 1994 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 7.5.

Baron Frankenstein is back with a vengeance.

[Boba_Fett1138 · 8/10 · 19 September 2006]

OK so maybe not. Even though this movie is called "The Revenge of Frankenstein" and the baron himself, who escaped the guillotine, also tells that he is planning on taking revenge, he never does so in this movie. Sloppy perhaps and also a missed opportunity. Nevertheless "The Revenge of Frankenstein" remains one of the best put together and most atmospheric Hammer movie. Esecially for late '50's standards, this movie is a surprising good and effective one that more than serves its purpose and has plenty enough to offer the viewer.

The story is well written and told, which is the main reason why this movie works out great. It also helps to make this movie one of the better ones out of the long line of Hammer Frankenstein movies. It's an interesting movie to watch with a great perfect horror atmosphere, all combined with the typical Hammer studio's style. The movie also features some morbid humor which suits the style of the movie even better and makes it an even more pleasant and entertaining one to watch.

Unlike other Frankenstein movies this movie relies on original and self developed and written elements. The Hammer studios throughout this way, practically recreated the entire character of baron Frankenstein, with its long line of Hammer Frankenstein movies. When I now think of baron Frankenstein, I automatically think of Peter Cushing portraying him, thanks to the Hammer movies.

The movie doesn't waste any time on things like character development, which is also the reason why the movie is only 89 minutes short. It makes the story flow well, without any drags or unnecessary moments but one of the consequences also is that some of the characters don't quite work out because of this, such as the Eunice Gayson character, who doesn't seem to serve a purpose in the movie. The movie also doesn't have enough emotional depth because of this. Even though the movie does some attempts to give the movie some depth, mainly in its sequences with the monster, the movie is too short and distant to really care about any of it. But at least they did a worthy attempt, which makes this movie an improvement over the first Hammer Frankenstein movie "The Curse of Frankenstein".

Peter Cushing is really great as the baron who has taken the name Dr. Stein, after escaping from the guillotine, to conceal his true identity. Cushing really seem at ease with his role and he draws all of the attention of the movie toward him. Unlike most other Frankenstein movies the Hammer Frankenstein movies aren't really about the creature but more about baron Frankenstein and his eternal morbid search for cheating the death and creating life. It's a good thing that this movie is about the baron and not really about the monster, for the actor who plays the monster in this movie (Michael Gwynn) is exactly convincing or a good enough actor. Further more the movie does feature some good British actors for the smaller parts of the movie, who all seem to fit their parts very well.

Through its atmosphere the movie does manages to create an overall overly present creepy atmosphere which does provide the movie with some good horror moments as well. Of course nothing too scary, since obviously all Hammer movies are obviously more entertaining than scary or serious. The movie also does feature some nice looking sets, costumes and effects which help to set up the mood.

A must-see for the Hammer fans, mainly thanks to its well written and told story.

8/10

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Perfection doesn't come from weird science.

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 1 March 2024]

An above average follow-up to "The Curse of Frankenstein" is one of the true Hammer horror classics, bringing Peter Cushing back to the role of Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein, nearly guillotined for his creation of a murderous monster, and manipulating his way out of being separated from his head. I didn't quite buy the way he manages to get out of his sentence as you see him heading to the gallows, but dramatic license has to be taken on occasion. Plus the movie's a ton of fun so that works too.

Michael Gwynn is the monster this time around, a handsome man (allegedly a priest) who went to the guillotine in the promise of a healthier body, but it's a violent minded hunchback who's brain he gets. Francis Matthews is Cushing's assistant, brilliant in doctoring but dimwitted in making sensible decisions, and Eunice Gayson is his love interest who is obviously to be a target of the creature. Colorful and terrifically gothic, this has its flaws, but the overall presentation is never anything less than exciting.

At least it wasn't boring.

[13Funbags · 2/10 · 12 November 2017]

I was very disappointed in The Curse of Frankenstein because it was so boring. While this movie has similar long periods of no dialogue, it's a better over all movie. Even with the glaring plot holes. They imply that he somehow managed to get the priest into the guillotine with the help of his own hunchback-type sidekick that he never mentioned in the first movie. He moves to another country and the prison buries him in his new town. What?? The end is even worse. For the first time in lots of tries he finally creates a monster that doesn't freak out and what a coincidence, it has his head. Ugh. This has been reported as a spoiler without warning by an idiot. There is no spoiler. Everything I mentioned happens in the first minutes. That says alot about the fans of this crap.