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      Frankenstein: The True Story

      1973 3h 5m Horror Sci-Fi List
      Reviews 67% 250+ Ratings Audience Score 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. Read More Read Less

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      Frankenstein: The True Story

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      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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      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 Audience Member I love that the blurb for this movie praises it for staying true to Mary Shelley's original novel - nothing could be further from the truth. Aside from the fact that we have Victor Frankenstein, his creation, and a lot of misery on hand, this bears little resemblance to the original story. It's not bad, though, it's just a different interpretation of a classic story. Though dated, the acting and plot choices add a very interesting spin on the old tale of mad scientist playing around with forces of nature - the "science vs. religion" argument, almost. However, for some reason John Polidori was thrown into the mix (the man who was best known as Lord Byron's physician and also the author of The Vampyre, a short story left unfinished by Byron) as the grand mastermind behind the science. Victor is painted more of an eager student turned victim rather than an egotistical madman, and the creature becomes a demonic Neanderthal. However, it is 3+ hours long, so unless you absolutely adore Shelley's book, or love classic horror, I'll give you a break if you decide to pass. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Frankenstein: The True Story

      Frankenstein: The True Story (1973) Frankenstein: The True Story (1973) Frankenstein: The True Story (1973) Frankenstein: The True Story (1973) Frankenstein: The True Story (1973) Frankenstein: The True Story (1973) View more photos

      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
      Production Co
      Universal Television
      Genre
      Horror, Sci-Fi
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Dec 1, 2017
      Runtime
      3h 5m
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