Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Book review - "The Revenge of Frankenstein" (1958) (warning: spoilers)

Another in Bear Manor Media's excellent series of re-printed novelisations, this is a reminder of what a first-rate sequel Jimmy Sangster penned. It picks up right on the end of the first Frankenstein, tracks the action logically and pays due attention to continuity (something definitely not apparent in later entries in the series), really fleshes out the character of Dr Frankenstein, has a strong supporting casting including a devoted supporting doctor Hans, a female lead with a bit of spunk (though it's a shame there's no romance between her and either Frankenstein or Hans) and most of all a completely sympathetic monster - Karl, the hunchback who just wants a normal life. This is what gives the story real heart and emotion.

There are lots of effective moments - Frankenstein's lab of bits and pieces, the inner monologues of Karl - and a very satisfying conclusion, with Hans performing some deft work on his old mentor to keep him going.

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