How this makeup whiz created the most recognizable monster of. Boris karloff, english actor who became internationally famous for his sympathetic and chilling portrayal of the monster in the classic horror film frankenstein. Karloff in bride of frankenstein this is the filmography of boris karloff. Je dirais, sans aucun doute, le premier frankenstein. The name boris karloff was an invention, and a very effective one. The original %27frankenstein%27 movie came out in 1931. In addition, the elderly baron frankenstein was to succumb to a heart attack, brought on by grief. Boris karloff lived out his final years in england at his cottage, roundabout, in the hampshire village of bramshott. Boris karloffs frankenstein celebrates 87th anniversary.
In the hands of the former, the creature would have been a psychopathic murderer. Although many people may argue that the bride of frankenstein 1935 was a better movie, i think frankenstein is the best monster movie ever made. At the time of his daughters birth karloff was filming son of frankenstein, and reportedly rushed from the movie set to the hospital while still in full makeup. Frankenstein is a 1931 american precode science fiction horror film directed by james whale. Embracing his fame late in his acting career, he took on roles in legendary horror films such as the mummy 1932, the bride of frankenstein 1935. The films greatness stems less from its script than from the stark but moody atmosphere created by director james whale. Michele mercier, lidia alfonsi, boris karloff, mark damon. Kenton, starring boris karloff, lon chaney, john carradine, j. It wasnt until his 81st movie, when he was 44, that karloffs breakthrough role occurred with the 1931 movie frankenstein. Frankenstein colin clive exclaims his achievement and his godlike feeling of creation. Still unnerving to this day, frankenstein adroitly explores the fine line between genius and madness, and features boris karloffs legendary. Oct 30, 2018 the name boris karloff was an invention, and a very effective one. Karloff acted in eighty movies before being found by james whale and cast in frankenstein 1931.
Boris karloff, whose real name was william henry pratt, was an englishborn actor who emigrated to canada in the 1910s. A hardworking and dignified man, karloff is primarily recognized for his portrayal of the monster in the universal pictures 1931 classic frankenstein. In september 20, bride of frankenstein received a standalone bluray release. Herman rosses memorable set designs, particularly the fantastic. He is, however, given proper credit as boris karloff in the closing credits. Frankenstein 68 movie clip the monster befriends maria. It was the film that introduced boris karloff to the horror.
After a gentle moment between the monster boris karloff and little maria marilyn harris, he scares her by innocently throwing her in the lake. He got his start performing in small theatricals in canada. Robert florey storyboarded the last scene to show the funeral of all three characters. The name boris karloff is forever recognized as one of the true icons of horror cinema. Incredibly, one of the actors is credited as boris lugosi. May 01, 2018 they have absolutely nothing to do with the movie. He was a prolific performer and enjoyed performing. Karloff made numerous hollywood silent films without attaining success. Boris karloff as frankenstein monster first entrance. Sep 16, 2015 a hardworking and dignified man, karloff is primarily recognized for his portrayal of the monster in the universal pictures 1931 classic frankenstein. Major changes were made to the novels plot for this classic horror movie. By 1919, karloff found regular work as an extra at universal studios.
Refused to ever do another frankenstein film if bela was in it. Interview sara karloff reflections on boris karloff. The longreigning king of hollywood horror, boris karloff was born william henry pratt on november 23, 1887, in south london. These landmark motion pictures defined the iconic look of henry frankensteins monster and his bride, and continue to inspire countless remakes and adaptations that. In 2012, bride of frankenstein was released on bluray as part of the universal classic monsters. Like lugosi, boris karloff s name had a severe, centraleuropean ring to it but the actor who played frankenstein s monster in the film wasnt from frankenstein land at all. He reprised the role in several sequels and also provided the voices of the grinch and the narrator in the holiday standard how.
Find films and movies featuring boris karloff on allmovie. Frankenstein was greeted with screams, moans, and fainting spells upon its initial release, obliging universal to add a disclaimer in which edward van sloan advises the faint of heart to leave the. Still unnerving to this day, frankenstein adroitly explores the fine line between genius and madness, and features boris karloff s legendary. William henry pratt was born on november 23, 1887, in camberwell. Karloff was born william henry pratt in south london in 1887. He was to reprise his soontobe legendary role in both 1935s bride of frankenstein and 1939s son of frankenstein. Boris karloff list of movies and tv shows tv guide. Sep 02, 2011 the films greatness stems less from its script than from the stark but moody atmosphere created by director james whale. Boris karloff biography, movie highlights and photos allmovie. For four decades, he terrified movie audiences by playing monsters, mad scientists and other menacing characters.
Published in 1818, mary shelleys gothic novel frankenstein, or the modern prometheus, about a doctor who. Like lugosi, boris karloffs name had a severe, centraleuropean ring to it but the actor who played frankensteins monster in the film wasnt from frankensteinland at all. Boris karloff full list of movies and tv shows in theaters, in production and upcoming films. During these early stages of his career he was mostly left in obscurity. Karloffs role as frankensteins monster was physically demanding it necessitated a bulky costume with fourinch platform boots but the costume and extensive makeup produced a lasting image. Sort boris karloff movies by ultimate movie rankings umr score rank based on all the movies in our entire database. Karloff will be forever remembered for his portrayal of frankensteins creation the monster in the classic 1931 picture frankenstein. Boris karloff stars as the screens most memorable monster in what many consider to be the greatest horror film ever made. Most significantly, karloffs monster is neither intelligent nor articulate. Boris karloff frankenstein on screen pictures cbs news.
Jealous of bela lugosis ygor success, post son of frankenstein 1939, boris karloff set out to sabotage bela lugosis career. The bride of frankenstein is a 1935 american science fiction horror film, and the first sequel to universal pictures 1931 film frankenstein. William henry pratt was born on november 23, 1887, in camberwell, london, england, the son of edward john pratt. William henry pratt 23 november 1887 2 february 1969, better known by his stage name boris karloff, was an english actor, best remembered for his roles in horror films and especially for his portrayal of frankensteins monster in frankenstein 1931, bride of frankenstein 1935, and son of. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest sequels in cinematic history, with many fans and critics considering it to be an improvement on the original frankenstein. Boris karloff, original name william henry pratt, born november 23, 1887, london, englanddied february 2, 1969, midhurst, west sussex, english actor who became internationally famous for his sympathetic and chilling portrayal of the monster in the classic horror film frankenstein 1931. Karloff performed in a variety of contexts throughout his career, but is best remembered for his roles in horror films and his portrayal of frankensteins monster in the 1931 film frankenstein, 1935 film bride of frankenstein, and 1939 film son of frankenstein.
The youngest of nine children, he was educated at london university in preparation for a career as a diplomat. Boris karloff simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Boris karloff biography, movie highlights and photos. Boris karloff i 18871969 along with fellow actors lon chaney, bela lugosi and vincent price, boris karloff is recognized as one of the true icons of horror cinema, and the actor most closely identified with the general publics perception of the monster from the classic mary shelley book, frankenstein. Along with fellow actors lon chaney, bela lugosi and vincent price, boris karloff is recognized as one of the true icons of horror cinema, and the actor most closely identified with the general publics perception of the monster from the classic mary shelley book, frankenstein. Frankenstein 1931 is the second of many classic monster movies made by universal studios, and in my opinion it is simply the best. How this makeup whiz created the most recognizable monster. One of the sons of frankenstein finds his fathers monster in a coma and revives him, only to find out he is controlled by ygor who is bent on revenge.
Complete legacy collection includes all 8 films from the original legacy including the tragic classic starring boris karloff and the timeless films that followed. Of course, the movie was a trendsetter in more ways than one, and features one of cinemas alltime finest performances from boris karloff as the tragic frankenstein monster, whilst whales inventive direction, the splendid sets, the awesome makeup, and colin clives hysterical turn as henry also contribute to the movie s overall effect. The essential collection box set, which also includes a total of nine films from the universal classic monsters series. For lugosi, his depiction of the creature was to display none of the character depth and sympathy brought to the role by boris karloff. Boris karloff hosts a trio of horror stories concerning a stalked call girl, a vampirelike monster who preys on his family, and a nurse who is haunted by her rings rightful owner. Vintage photos of boris karloff on the set of frankenstein. In 1957s bad bmovie i was a teenage frankenstein, the comically deranged, toxic avengerlooking creature. Embracing his fame late in his acting career, he took on roles in legendary horror films such as the mummy 1932, the bride of frankenstein 1935, the ape 1940, and many more. He was a charter member of the screen actors guild, and he was especially outspoken due to the long hours he spent in makeup while playing frankenstein s monster. After playing frankensteins monster in the 1931 movie, frankenstein, karloff was known for his work in horror movies but thats not all. Sort boris karloff movies by ultimate movie rankings umr score. Rodney dangerfield at his best on the tonight show starring johnny carson 1983 duration. The resulting creature, often known as frankensteins monster, is portrayed by boris karloff. Alongside clive and karloff, the films cast also includes mae clarke, john boles, dwight frye, and edward van sloan.
May 31, 2011 after a gentle moment between the monster boris karloff and little maria marilyn harris, he scares her by innocently throwing her in the lake. This film has lightning, atmosphere, plot, and character. Boris karloff along with bela lugosi and silent movie actor lon chaney, where the firsts actor to play evil roles in movie, undoubtedly his most memorable role is that of the monster in frankenstein 1931, a masterpiece of horror movie that was directed by james whale. With colin clive, mae clarke, boris karloff, john boles. Boris karloff as the frankenstein monster in 1931s frankenstein in his first entrance in the film. Frankenstein 38 movie clip meet the monster 1931 hd. He would revisit the role in 1935 with bride of frankenstein and in 1939. Of course, the movie was a trendsetter in more ways than one, and features one of cinemas alltime finest performances from boris karloff as the tragic frankenstein monster, whilst whales inventive direction, the splendid sets, the awesome makeup, and colin clives hysterical turn as henry also contribute to the movies overall effect. The youngest of nine children, he was educated at london university in.
Boris karloff starred as the original film frank in 1931s frankenstein. Boris karloff as the creature in bride of frankenstein 1935. Jun 01, 2011 frankenstein was greeted with screams, moans, and fainting spells upon its initial release, obliging universal to add a disclaimer in which edward van sloan advises the faint of heart to leave the. He never legally changed his name to boris karloff. After playing frankenstein s monster in the 1931 movie, frankenstein, karloff was known for his work in horror movies but thats not all. As the monster boris karloff is struck by lightning, dr. This film is available from home video companies that are know to deal exclusively in public domain properties. The makeup for the monster was provided by jack pierce. This was the second of universals 1930s horror films, after dracula and the first of their frankenstein cycle. Frankenstein colin clive dares to tamper with life and death by. Karloffs first significant hit film was in howard hawkss the criminal code 1931. May 02, 2008 boris karloff as the frankenstein monster in 1931s frankenstein in his first entrance in the film. Boris karloff loved the guy but scared me in every movie frankenstein boris karloff see more.
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