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CS Weekly Archive> DVD > 11/16/07
Sympathetic Monster
by scott castle
Dan Curtis' Frankenstein
Teleplay by Sam Hall & Richard Landau
Adaptation by Sam Hall & Dan Curtis
From the novel by Mary Shelley
 
 
Produced as an entry in ABC’s Wild World of Mystery, a mid-'70s attempt to combat Johnny Carson in the wee hours, Dan Curtis’ Frankenstein makes a noble return to Mary Shelley’s novel and imbues its monster (Bo Svenson, credited as “The Giant” in a proto-politically correct nod to his characterization herein) with a humanity often missing from the mute brutes of previous adaptations. Though the elaborate framing story set in the Arctic is dispensed with, and the climax scaled down as a consequence, Sam Hall and Richard Landau’s script nails the abandonment issues felt by the creature and ably justifies his moral outrage at Victor Frankenstein (Robert Foxworth), his absent creator/father. Actors Foxworth and John Karlen provide an informative commentary moderated by Dan Curtis associate Jim Pierson that notes the production’s fidelity to the novel, as well as the technical limitations of videotaped production. Though the originally two-part production is presented as a long-form movie, Dark Sky Films includes the recaps and titles as supplements so viewers can appreciate the format of its initial airing.
Dan Curtis' Frankenstein
Dark Sky Films
Not rated; 126 min.
$14.98
Buy it now
Scott Castle is one thesis shy of a master’s degree in film. He’s written two short films, four television scripts, and a handful of short stories. He lives in Los Angeles.
Dan Curtis' Frankenstein courtesy Dark Sky Films
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