The Frankenstein movie of 1931, featuring Boris Karloff, created a sensation and, over 80 years later, continues to have a cult following. Most of the hype was invented or manufactured by the studio, however people joined in the fun of the thrill all over the world.
Told With Terrific Force
Before the movie opened up in theaters, there was much talk about how it would impact the audience.
The female audience will fill the theater with “squeals and shrieks,” one announcement claimed. In another, it was announced that the movie was not for weak hearts. Anyone who could not stand shock should not see the movie.
Children, of course, were told to stay home, and adults were warned that the movie was “too realistically terrible to forget.” [1] [2] [3]
The Lecture on the Criminal Brain
In the movie there is a brief lecture about the criminal brain. The lecture was real, given by an American brain specialist, Dr. Cecil Reynolds.
Dr. Reynolds prepared the lecture as a courtesy to the director. [4]
The Hunchback
The short hunchback was played by actor Dwight Frye. For the entire filming of the movie, he had to carry around 20 pounds on his back for his hunch. [5]
Life Insurance
As part of all the hype, Universal Films announced that they had taken out life insurance for everyone who goes to see Frankenstein in the theaters. If anyone died of shock or fright during the movie, they were covered for £1,000. [6]
Monster Impersonator
He claimed to be the tallest man in Australia back in 1932 and stood to the height of six feet and eleven inches.
Lance Robartson was paid to be the advertisement for the Frankenstein movie and was dressed as the monster, complete with hideous makeup. He wore his special boots for the occasion, raising his height to over seven feet.
Cameras followed Lance wherever he went when in costume and he could be seen riding on the train and outside of hotels throughout Australia. [7]
No Makeup
During the making of the film, Boris Karloff was made to agree to the following conditions: that he was not allowed to leave the set while wearing his monster makeup, that he would report to the studio two hours ahead of schedule for his makeup to be put on, that he must eat his meals while wearing his makeup, and that no one outside of the set was allowed to see him in makeup.
The studio did this to ensure that the audience would be shocked as soon as they saw the monster on the silver screen. [8]
