Dr Frederick Frankenstein is a lecturer in an American medical school. He is a descendant of Dr Victor Frankenstein - the original Frankenstein but he is very embarrassed about this and denies all connection to him. Nevertheless, he inherits his predecessor's estate and upon reading Victor's notes, he himself becomes obsessed with the idea of creating the perfect monster. His assistant Igor picks the wrong brain and the creation runs amok but ultimately just wants love and acceptance. Gene Wilder plays 'Fronk en Steen' in this affectionate homage to the classic monster movies from back in the day. The film is perhaps Mel Brook's finest hour (after Blazing Saddles) and it remains one of the funniest spoof horror films of all time. Scary Movie eat your heart out. Wilder is supported by an excellent cast - Madeline Kahn as his American sweetheart Elizabeth, Marty Feldman as his assistant - the hunch backed Igor, Peter Boyle as the creation and Gene Hackman sparkles as the blind man whose hospitality to the creation goes way beyond being a good host. Not to mention Cloris Leachman as the housekeeper Frau Blücher who when her name is uttered, causes horses to rear up in terror. There is the exchange of the Schwanzstück (how's your father?). And of course there is the 'Abby Normal' brain cock up. It all ends happily and the monster manages to grow into an intellectual and erudite creature. The film received some nods from the Academy and fair play to Mel Brooks - he had the guts to make the film in then unfashionable black and white which adds to the atmosphere and authenticity to the humour.
My first film watched was Carrie aged 2 on my dad's knee. Educated at The University of St Andrews and Trinity College Dublin. Fan of Arthouse, Exploitation, Horror, Euro Trash, Giallo, New French Extremism. Weaned at the bosom of a Russ Meyer starlet. The bleaker, artier or sleazier the better!
