I love the orginal Frankenstein they aren't as bloddy and gorry as the new ones this is not rated
Frankenstein
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Is it age appropriate?
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Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Classic monster movie still electrifies.
Themes in this movie include: emotional abuse, loss, revenge
updated 09.28.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
What to watch out for
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of Frankenstein was written by Teresa Talerico
Parents need to know that although this horror movie is tame by today's standards, it does deal with issues of life and death and scientific ethics. Also, there are some killings, including a child who is drowned when a monster throws her into a lake. Younger children might be frightened by the monster, themes of grave-robbing, and the laboratory scenes. Still, older kids accustomed to modern-day horror's fast pace and stylized violence may find the film too "old-school" for their tastes.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about how horror movies have evolved since this movie was released in 1931. What makes a movie scary?
- Do contemporary horror films rely too much on gratuitous violence and gore?
- How does this movie still manage to be scary without resorting to over-the-top content?
- What does the Frankenstein's monster make you feel? Do you feel bad for him?
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More on Frankenstein
What’s the Story?
Based Mary Shelley's novel and released in 1931, FRANKENSTEIN follows the experimental exploits of Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) and his hunchbacked assistant, Fritz, who steal corpses from graves for Henry's experiments on creating human life. Despite pleas from his friends, families, and colleagues, Henry persists and finally succeeds in bringing his creation to life. Alas, he realizes too late the consequences of playing God (and the danger of trusting your assistant to steal the right brain). The monster (Boris Karloff) escapes into the countryside. Shunned by his creator, tormented by Henry's assistant, and hunted by an angry mob of villagers, the creature responds with confused aggression, even terrorizing Henry's bride on the eve of their wedding. Armed with torches, hounds baying at their heels, the villagers pursue him in revenge and Dr. Frankenstein faces off with his creation.
Is It Any Good?
Decades after its release, this classic monster movie remains just as eerie today thanks to the chilling presence of Boris Karloff as the monster. When he first appears on-screen -- a hulking, lumbering, vacant-eyed creature -- the moment is pure black-and-white horror. But Karloff also invites sympathy with his portrayal of a tragic and misunderstood being with the body and strength of an ogre but the mind and innocence of a child. Sure, the movie occasionally feels dated, and viewers might find some incidents more slapstick than scary. But overall, it holds up admirably.
Those familiar with the more famous scenes will be surprised to discover some comic relief in the character of Henry's father, a crusty old baron. Although the baron's final lines, which end the movie, may seem abrupt by today's standards, they still convey the sad, strange irony of an old man's wish for a grandson and his son's "fathering" of a kind of monster-child. This classic remains the most iconic film adaptation of the novel, even though it does stray from Shelley's original plot.
Movie Details
Studio: Universal Studios, Director: James Whale
Run time: 71 minutes
Theatrical release: 11/21/1931, DVD release: 8/17/1999
MPAA Rating: NR
Run time: 71 minutes
Theatrical release: 11/21/1931, DVD release: 8/17/1999
MPAA Rating: NR
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
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- Excessive consumerism
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good for twens 10 and up
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I rate this title off for age 5 and give it
Perfect for younger kids
Hate it and I'm 11 years old.
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