The Revenge of Frankenstein Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Frankenstein fakes his death, opens a budget hospital, and gives his hunchback a hot new body which then turns him into a cannibal with body dysmorphia; medical science!

🍿 The Revenge of Frankenstein: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Escaping the Guillotine

The film opens with Baron Victor Frankenstein narrowly escaping execution by guillotine. With the help of his loyal, partially paralyzed assistant, Karl, Frankenstein swaps places with a priest, faking his death. This daring escape sets the stage for his relocation and continued experiments.

Reinvention as Dr. Stein

Three years later, Frankenstein resurfaces in Carlsbruck, Germany, under the alias Dr. Stein. He establishes a successful medical practice, gaining respect for his charitable work while secretly continuing his macabre experiments. He attracts the attention of Dr. Hans Kleve, who recognizes him and seeks to become his apprentice.

The Brain Transplant Experiment

Frankenstein and Kleve embark on a new experiment: transplanting Karl’s brain into a healthy, constructed body. Karl agrees, hoping for a chance at a normal life. The operation appears successful, but Karl struggles to adapt to his new form, facing unexpected psychological and physical challenges.

The Monster’s Downfall

As Karl grapples with his new existence, his brain begins to deteriorate due to damage during surgery and an attack by a janitor, leading to cannibalistic urges and a disfigured appearance. Desperate for help, he seeks out Frankenstein, revealing his true identity to the town. This leads to a confrontation with the medical council.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Doctor Victor Stein (Peter Cushing): The brilliant but morally ambiguous Baron Frankenstein, now using the alias Doctor Stein, continues his experiments with reanimation and body modification.
• Doctor Hans Kleve (Francis Matthews): A young and ambitious doctor who recognizes Frankenstein and becomes his eager assistant, drawn in by the promise of scientific discovery.
• Karl (Michael Gwynn): A deformed and disabled man who agrees to have his brain transplanted into a new, healthy body, only to suffer unexpected and tragic consequences.
• Margaret Conrad (Eunice Gayson): A compassionate nurse who works at the hospital and becomes entangled in Frankenstein’s experiments, showing sympathy towards Karl.
• Fritz (Lionel Jeffries): One of the drunken grave robbers who ends up murdered.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Doctor Hans Kleve: “A masterly dissection, Doctor Stein. You must forgive this intrusion.” – Dr. Kleve recognizes Dr. Stein’s superior skill upon observing his work.
• Doctor Victor Stein: “Must I?” – Doctor Stein gives a cryptic response to Doctor Kleve, suggesting his arrogance and secretiveness.
• Doctor Victor Stein: “If the experiment had succeeded, my work would have been hailed as a work of genius!” – Frankenstein expresses his frustration at the near-success of his experiments.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £100,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Revenge of Frankenstein Reviews

Personal Review

As a huge fan of classic horror, I found ‘The Revenge of Frankenstein’ to be a delightfully twisted addition to the Frankenstein mythos. Peter Cushing is, as always, phenomenal as the Baron. The scene where Karl crashes the high society party is darkly hilarious, and the ending just blew me away. I really enjoyed the film’s exploration of ambition and consequences. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good dose of Gothic horror!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic horror films”
  • “Hammer Horror enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in gothic and macabre stories”
  • “Peter Cushing admirers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Gory scenes involving body parts and medical experiments”
  • “Violence and murder”
  • “Cannibalism (implied)”
  • “Disturbing images”

Professional Reviews

• Hammer Horror Films: “A worthy successor to ‘The Curse of Frankenstein’. Fisher perfectly balances the gory, the ghoulish, the Gothic, and the tragic, with Cushing delivering a wonderful central performance.
• Bobafett1138.blogspot.com: “Remains one of the best put-together and most atmospheric Hammer movies and relies on original and self-developed elements which is the main reason why this movie works out great.
• AllMovie: “A compelling sequel that keeps the spirit of the original while exploring new themes. Cushing is captivating, and the visual atmosphere is top-notch.

Audience Reactions

Peter Cushing’s portrayal of Frankenstein is iconic and unmatched.: Cushing’s performance and the film’s atmosphere are consistently praised.

A fantastic blend of horror, suspense, and surprisingly dark humor.: The mix of genres, especially the black humor, makes the film stand out.

Overall Consensus: A well-regarded Hammer horror film, praised for its atmosphere, Peter Cushing’s performance, and its unique spin on the Frankenstein story. It’s considered one of the better sequels in the Hammer series.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Principal photography began just days after the completion of ‘Horror of Dracula,’ and the sets were re-dressed and painted Dracula sets throughout the film.”
• “The Daily Telegraph was so horrified by the film that they suggested the BBFC create a special new category for it – “For Sadists Only.””
• “This film is considered one of the best of Hammer Studios’ Frankenstein series, highlighting Peter Cushing’s performance and the unique plot twists.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Revenge of Frankenstein?

As a classic film, “The Revenge of Frankenstein” is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for possible television airings, as classic horror films sometimes appear during special programming blocks. Unfortunately, the title is not currently available for streaming on major subscription services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Revenge of Frankenstein, you might like these similar films:

• The Curse of Frankenstein (1957): The first film in Hammer’s Frankenstein series, setting the stage for this sequel.
• Bride of Frankenstein (1935): Another iconic Frankenstein sequel that explores similar themes of creation and morality.
• Frankenstein Created Woman (1967): Another entry in the Hammer Frankenstein series that dives into the consequences of playing God.
• Re-Animator (1985): A modern horror film with a darkly comedic take on reanimation and mad science.

🛒 The Revenge of Frankenstein Related Products

• Hammer Horror: The Warner Bros. Years (Limited Edition): A limited-edition Blu-ray set featuring several Hammer Horror classics, including ‘The Revenge of Frankenstein’. A must-have for collectors!
• Frankenstein: The Hammer Collection (Blu-ray): Includes all the classic Hammer Frankenstein films starring Peter Cushing. Experience the horror in high definition with bonus features.
• Hammer Horror Movie Posters: Authentic reprints of original Hammer Horror movie posters. These posters capture the iconic imagery and atmosphere of classic Hammer films.
• Peter Cushing Action Figure: A detailed action figure of Peter Cushing as Baron Frankenstein, complete with lab coat and accessories. A perfect collectible for horror fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Revenge of Frankenstein features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Leonard Salzedo
• “The Operation” – performed by Leonard Salzedo
• “Karl Escapes” – performed by Leonard Salzedo

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Bad Movie Review: The Blood Beast Terror (starring Peter Cushing)

Ever wonder what other monster flicks Peter Cushing starred in? Check out this hilarious review of ‘The Blood Beast Terror,’ a film so bad it’s good! Cushing’s presence almost makes it worth the watch, almost.

✨ Rate