The Ghost of Frankenstein
A gothic Universal sequel turns a resurrected monster and a disputed brain transplant into a tense study of scientific inheritance and manufactured humanity.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- eerie
- suspenseful
- theatrical
- classic horror marathon
- halloween viewing
What critics said
Critics generally find it a passable and suspenseful Universal monster sequel with strong performances and atmosphere, though less subtle and magical than the earlier Frankenstein films.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ludwig inherits both the Frankenstein name and the responsibility for the monster, while pursuing his father's work.
The film uses black-and-white cinematography and classic Universal gothic production design to frame the monster and laboratory scenes.
Ludwig and his associates disagree over which brain should be transplanted into the monster's skull.
The monster's body, brain, and identity become separate questions as the characters attempt to restore or alter him.
Films like The Ghost of Frankenstein, and why
Frankenstein
shared black-and-white gothic horror, mad science, and iconic monster mythology
The Bride of Frankenstein
shared Universal monster cycle, gothic atmosphere, and tragic artificial life
Son of Frankenstein
shared sequel-era monster spectacle, black-and-white horror, and morally compromised experimentation
The Invisible Man
shared classic horror setting, scientific transgression, and human-monster conflict
Movie Details
- Director
- Erle C. Kenton
- Release Date
- 1942-03-13
- Runtime
- 68 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (179)
Cast
- Cedric Hardwicke
- Ralph Bellamy
- Lionel Atwill
- Bela Lugosi
- Evelyn Ankers
- Lon Chaney Jr.
- Janet Ann Gallow
- Barton Yarborough
- Doris Lloyd
- Leyland Hodgson
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Ghost of Frankenstein about?
- A gothic Universal sequel turns a resurrected monster and a disputed brain transplant into a tense study of scientific inheritance and manufactured humanity.
- What is The Ghost of Frankenstein like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Ghost of Frankenstein as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Ghost of Frankenstein violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Ghost of Frankenstein as mild.
- What did critics think of The Ghost of Frankenstein?
- Critics generally find it a passable and suspenseful Universal monster sequel with strong performances and atmosphere, though less subtle and magical than the earlier Frankenstein films.
- Which films are like The Ghost of Frankenstein?
- Films with a similar feel include Frankenstein, The Bride of Frankenstein, Son of Frankenstein, and The Invisible Man.
- How long is The Ghost of Frankenstein?
- The Ghost of Frankenstein runs 68 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Ghost of Frankenstein?
- In United States, The Ghost of Frankenstein is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
