13 Great Universal Monsters Performances

[Earth 2 Chris]

A Halloween guide to 13 great performances in the most classic of Universal Monsters films, by yours truly!

https://13thdimension.com/halloween-viewing-guide-dig-these-13-great-universal-monster-performances/

[PNGwynne]

I can never get enough of these films, thank you for the article and for making a point about the performances of the '30s versus the rallies of the '40s.

I enjoy Werewolf of London, but the cold Dr. Glendon is no match for Chaney, Jr's Wolfman. However, that's really the only film of the "wave 2" cycle (beginning after Son of Frankenstein) that I'd solidly recommend.

Thanks also for recognizing the contribution of Zita Johan to The Mummy.

[shaunaconda]

Another great article, thanks!

[Earth 2 Chris]

I can never get enough of these films, thank you for the article and for making a point about the performances of the '30s versus the rallies of the '40s.

I enjoy Werewolf of London, but the cold Dr. Glendon is no match for Chaney, Jr's Wolfman. However, that's really the only film of the "wave 2" cycle (beginning after Son of Frankenstein) that I'd solidly recommend.

Thanks also for recognizing the contribution of Zita Johan to The Mummy.

There's a reason I stopped with The Wolf Man. I love the rest of the films, but the quality really takes a dive after that one. The brain-swapping nonsense and crazy motivations don't really ring true beyond "needs to happen for the plot".

We waxed Zita's sarcophagus this year on the first episode of our House of Franklin-Stein podcast series. She's definitely the best love interest/female lead of the classic Univesal films this side of Lanchester's Bride.

[PNGwynne]

I totally agree. Evelyn Ankers and Valerie Hobson are fine in their way--and I adore Hobson in some British films--but are nowhere near Johann's depth of characterization. I would actually rate her higher than Lanchester because of the complexity of the role.

I have a soft spot for Dracula's Daughter and really enjoy Gloria Holden's Countess Zaleska, but it's a lesser film.

[Earth 2 Chris]

Gloria Holden almost made the cut, as did Ankers. I do really like her in all the Universal films, particularly The Wolf Man. I think she had a ton of potential to really shine, but beyond Gwen in The Wolf Man they never gave her great material. Louise Albritton of Son of Dracula almost made the list. I even had a write up on her, but somehow I forgot Dwight Frye! I think Allbritton and her character in Son of Dracula are fantastic, but Frye definitely deserved a spot more than her.