The Persistence of Frankenstein

Hi, class,

We will begin our discussion of Frankenstein tomorrow--your assignment was to read the "Preface," "Introduction," and "Letters" in the Norton Critical Edition. Frankenstein was written during the height of the literary movement known as Romanticism--click here and here for brief working definitions. 

Below are clips from several film adaptations of the novel--including the full-length version of the first one, made in 1910 at Edison Studios, the 1931 classic, the delightfully nutty 1935 sequel, the 1994 remake with Kenneth Branagh and Robert DeNiro, and Mel Brooks's hilarious version, made in 1974. I tried to get all the "birth/creation" scenes--enjoy! 

This is the first-ever adaptation!

Frankenstein, 1910. Watch the "special effect" at the end! (Full-length 12:41)

Frankenstein, 1931. "It's alive!" (RT 4:05)

Frankenstein, 1994. Frankenstein gives "birth." (RT 2:02)

Young Frankenstein, 1974. (RT 5:01)

Bride of Frankenstein, 1935. "She's alive!" (RT 2:20)