The Curse of Frankenstein

The director's combination of the morbid and sinister is masterful, and at the same time he was able to create an atmosphere of great beauty.

Terence Fisher directs with efficiency, manifesting a feel for atmosphere with an occasional lyrical touch, creating modern gothic horror at its best. [29 Oct 1998]

Cushing relishes the role of his career as the sociopathic dandy whose passion for science overrides all moral considerations, while Christopher Lee conveys the dire plight of the creature through body language alone.

For the new film generation, some minor chills are offered in this well-done production. [08 Aug 1957]

Christopher Lee is excellent as the mute monster, but this is Cushing's film all the way.

In its best scenes, it adds dynamism and British grit to a genre that had previously tried to get by on atmospherics and mood alone. It manages to be shocking without being especially frightening, and its virtues of performance and style remain striking.

This one should be cold-cuts for old-timers who remember Boris Karloff as the get of Frankenstein, but it may tittilate the blissful youngsters.