Universal Pictures released Bride of Frankenstein on 6 May 1935. They also previewed it in select locations in April. And they released it in limited theaters on 20 April. It also premiered in Canada on 3 May.

I have a very special memory of this film. When I was eight-years-old, I watched it on television with my older brother and sister. And it frightened me so much that I vomited.

It’s shocking to me now because it’s the sweetest film. The one scene that most stands out to me is when the Monster and Bride sit together and he pats her hand. Then he sees her reaction, and he’s heartbroken.

“She hate me. Like others.”

But everything about the film is a joy. I don’t think that Ernest Thesiger has gotten enough credit as Dr Pretorius. There aren’t many actors who could make you believe they would really have a picnic in a crypt.

He’s especially great up against Colin Clive as Dr Frankenstein, who spends the whole film whining about what he’s doing. The truth is, I’d rather he and Elizabeth had died at the end, and the others had lived. Imagine how great the sequels would have been with Dr Pretorius!

I now consider Bride of Frankenstein to be a feel-good film — something I put on when I’m feeling down. I recommend getting Frankenstein: The Legacy Collection, which includes the first five films. The last three aren’t as good but they are still worth watching — especially for Bela Lugosi in the third and fourth films. (Note that this collection lacks the fifth film, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man. Consider this a kindness. It is by far the weakest of the set.)

Other 6 May Anniversaries

Filmmakers:

• Gaston Leroux (1868-1927): Author of the novel The Phantom of the Opera.
• Rudolph Valentino (1895-1926): Silent film heartthrob.
• Orson Welles (1915-1985): Director of Mr Arkadin, Touch of Evil, and more.
• Anne Parillaud (1960-): The original La Femme Nikita.
• George Clooney (1961-): Actor known for From Dusk To Dawn, O Brother, Where Art Thou? and others.

Films:

• Mandrake, the Magician (1939): Strange superhero film.
• Black Sabbath (1964): Mario Bava horror anthology (US release).
• Jack’s Back (1988): Serial killer film starring James Spader.
• Dead Heat (1988): Zombie cop comedy.
• Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994): Third adventure with The Tall Man.
• Attack of the Flesh Devouring Space Worms From Outer Space (1998): Rural southerners try to withstand an alien attack.
• Zombie Campout (2003): Zombie comedy.
• Satan’s Little Helper (2004): Boy befriends serial killer.
• House of Wax (2005): Slasher set in a town made of wax.
• Housewives From Another World (2010): One of Fred Olan Ray’s horror sex comedies.

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Bride of Frankenstein (1935) poster via Wikimedia. It is in the public domain.