Bride of Frankenstein talk

[Bizarro Amy]

The Bride has always been one of my favorite Universal monsters, mainly because of her design - lovely and kind of horrific at the same time. When I saw it in the theater around Halloween, I had forgotten about the one blemish on an overwise fantastic movie - that old woman that runs around screaming through the whole film. Cut her lines, give them to someone else, anything that allows me to hear less of her is the only thing I would change.

[Earth 2 Chris]

^Una O'Conner is the subject of much debate amongst film historians and Universal monster aficionados. I just kind of accept her as part of the film, but apparently a lot of folks despise her and feel she really stops the movie dead every time she's on screen. Most film purists feel she is Whale's Greek chorus, explaining events and announcing characters with comedic flair.

I think she's a bit more effective in Whale's "The Invisible Man". She doesn't bring quite as much attention to herself, and fits into the overall storyline better, for my money.

She's also Maid Marion's servant in Errol Flynn's "The Adventures of Robin Hood".

Chris

[sallie138]

CJEFFERIES, you are my kind o' guy. Can't believe someone has the Crimson Ghoul as an ensign. I'm also with you honey on both the film and the novel [written by a lowly horror girl].

[madmarva]

Man, I love Una O'Conner. I certainly get how she rubs some wrong, but I loved how certain character actors just did their thing in whatever film they were in. I just think she's funny and just part of the glorious freak show that the Bride of Frankenstein is. I really like the original Karloff film and The Wolfman is a favorite, but the Bride stands atop all the Universal films to me.

Plus without Una, we wouldn't have Frau Blucher.

[mego73]

Yes, Dr. Frankenstein was originally supposed to die in the explosion too. When they revised the ended they didn't reshoot the expensive destruction scene.

Yes, she's not typical Hollywood gorgeous, even for the time period, but there is just something about her...



I've often read the Monster is a metaphor for teenage rebellion in this one. He takes up bad habits (drinking and smoking), makes his own friends (the Hermit), talks back to his parent, and discovers women. He's rejected, and wants to kill himself, and almost succeeds!!!

Speaking of which, Henry Frankenstein is visible in the lab as it begins to explode. Whale had a last-minute change of heart and spared Henry, allowing him and his bride to survive. I personally thought the guy deserved a comeupance!

Chris

[mego73]

I love Una O Conner too

[PNGwynne]

Love Una.

Just re-"watched" it this a.m. on TCM--it's so well-crafted, you can actually enjoy it just by listening to the vivid dialogue & beautiful score, like a radio play.

[torgospizza]

Most film purists feel she is Whale's Greek chorus, explaining events and announcing characters with comedic flair.

Good call, Chris. I've noticed a bit of that with their portrayal of constables, as well.