Bride of Frankenstein (1935) (USA)

aka The Return of Frankenstein 

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Melodramatic sequel to the 1931 classic is a good if overrated flick that suffers from an uneven script which is sadly more awkward than anything. The doctor and his creation have both survived the climatic destruction of the mill and as one tries to get on with his life, the other, less-alive one, hunts for compassion in a cruel world. Henry is cared for by his fiancée Elizabeth (now portrayed by the beautiful Valerie Hobson) and is still slightly obsessed with conquering death. His choice to finally leave his old ambitions behind has a wrench thrown into it with the arrival of the sinister Dr. Pretorius. He has also had some success with the creation of life (although he has grown his from “seed” resulting in miniature humans) and feels a partnership with Frankenstein will allow them to flourish. The end goal being the creation of a female specimen which can hopefully mate with the already created monster. As all this is going on, the monster is hunted, imprisoned and escapes. Encountering nothing but terror in the eyes of everyone he comes across, he finally meets a kindhearted blind man and learns the benefits of friendship. It’s a short lasting peace and he is forced to flee again (thanks to a young John Carradine). This time he stumbles across Pretorius and learns of the whole “special lady friend” plan in the works. Henry wants to back out, but with the kidnapping of his lady love he is forced to participate in the creation of the bride. Oddly enough, this one seems to have its heart set on being a comedy. This would be fine if any of the humor actually landed. You can argue all you want about it being a different time but it’s not the presentation of the comedic aspects, it’s how unnecessary they feel crammed within the story which leads to failure. The bride’s reveal is still an excellent moment and her makeup will always be iconic. Dr. Pretorius adds some much needed zeal (even if his creations are dumb as hell) thanks to Dr. Frankenstein moping around like a child who just got a stern lecture. It’s an alright time but hardly the masterpiece it’s made out to be. The unsettling opening credits were my favorite part.