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Frankenstein: The True Story

1973 3h 5m Horror Sci-Fi List
Tomatometer 3 Reviews 67% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
In this re-imagining of the classic tale, Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Leonard Whiting) meets Dr. Henry Clerval (David McCallum), who is experimenting with reanimating bodies. Together they create the Creature (Michael Sarrazin), and after Clerval dies Dr. Frankenstein gives their creation his brain. At first the Creature functions like an ordinary human, but, as its body deteriorates and it comes under the control of the mad Dr. Polidori (James Mason), it begins to lash out and wreak havoc.
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Frankenstein: The True Story

Critics Reviews

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Eddie Harrison film-authority.com ...has a variable production and a weak lead, but it’s a literate, clever adaptation that makes the ancient story come up in a fresh and dynamic way... Rated: 3/5 Jan 23, 2024 Full Review Dick Lochte Los Angeles Free Press The script is swift and engrossing and rich with mordant wit. Dec 31, 2019 Full Review Phil Hall Film Threat A mess. Rated: 1/5 Feb 7, 2006 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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NiB Y Contrary to the title, this is not a straight up 1:1 adaptation of the novel; but you know what? It was for the best. In my really controversial opinion, this is a better tale overrall than the novel. Victor is actually a very sympathetic and caring (to a certain point) person but still messed up. He actually likes the monster as if it were his own child at the beginning, but then the monster slowly begins to "deteriorate" of some form, which repulses Victor, but even at this state he still somewhat cares for it. Like it when he let the Monster try to kill himself because he knew it would've been better for both, or even after knowing he killed at least 2 people, he still saved it from being drowned in acid. The Bride -- or Eve-- is actually a character here, and just like with Adam, it's performance by Jane Seymour is phenomenal, and everytime she appeared on screen you either laugh from her weird sense of humour and clumsiness, or get intentionally weirded out by how she is trying to be Elizabeth, but get's treated like a tool by Polidori; in which he is basically the main antagonist of this movie. The ending is also emotional and perfect. Don't let the runtime scare you, if you are fan of monsters, this is a absolute must see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/07/24 Full Review Audience Member Interesting take on the original story. Great cast. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review william k The title is a misnomer, but this TV movie presents a more complex and sympathetic version of the creation, production value is extraordinary and delivers some shocks, the star cast is excellent. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member I had occasion to re-watch this gem recently. It has held up well with some marvelous shocks and some very creepy moments. I'm not sure why this was dubbed "The True Story" since it doesn't follow the Shelley book very well, but the performances are very intense and effective the cast is studded with great stars. There was an alternate ending published in the screenplay paperback of this (which I still have) that I would truly have loved to see included in the tv movie. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Audience Member Doesn't really match up to the book like the title makes you think, but instead aims are a realistic version. In that case, however, the film is really long and dull. The still manages to hold classic scenes and moments, and some cheap tv effects, but it does get to the point where most of it seems pointless. Drags on for too long, with dull dialog and useless characters. It works in some ways, but not enough for it's 3-hour run time. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Audience Member I first saw this on TV as a kid. I own the DVD. It's the best Frankenstein movie in my opinion. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Frankenstein: The True Story

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Movie Info

Synopsis In this re-imagining of the classic tale, Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Leonard Whiting) meets Dr. Henry Clerval (David McCallum), who is experimenting with reanimating bodies. Together they create the Creature (Michael Sarrazin), and after Clerval dies Dr. Frankenstein gives their creation his brain. At first the Creature functions like an ordinary human, but, as its body deteriorates and it comes under the control of the mad Dr. Polidori (James Mason), it begins to lash out and wreak havoc.
Director
Jack Smight
Producer
Hunt Stromberg Jr.
Production Co
Universal Television
Genre
Horror, Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 1, 2017
Runtime
3h 5m
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