Watch House of Frankenstein

House of Frankenstein is a 1944 horror film directed by Dutch director Erle C. Kenton and produced by Universal Studios. The movie features several iconic horror film actors of the time, including Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., and J. Carrol Naish. The film is a sequel to the 1943 movie, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man. The plot of House of Frankenstein revolves around the escape of the infamous Dr. Niemann (Boris Karloff) and his hunchbacked assistant Daniel (J. Carrol Naish) from prison. Niemann holds a grudge against those who imprisoned him, including the Burgermeister who survives an attempt on his life. Niemann and Daniel take refuge in a traveling freak show, where they exhibit a frozen Count Dracula. As luck would have it, the show's owner, Professor Lampini, also happens to own the skeleton of the infamous Wolf Man.

Niemann revives both Count Dracula (John Carradine) and the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr.) with the help of a scientist's diary that he has found. Niemann has plans of revenge against his captors and uses both Count Dracula and the Wolf Man to carry out his revenge. However, his plan is thwarted by the fact that he has revived two of the most dangerous creatures in Universal horror history, who soon have plans of their own.

The film is set in Eastern Europe and provides a thrilling and menacing atmosphere. The horror is depicted with a deep sense of foreboding and is not limited to the physical actions of the characters but is elevated by the elements of sinister orchestral music and the use of visual cues, such as shadow and light. The film also employs the use of eerie special effects such as ghostly mist amassing on the screen, adding to the sense of threat and danger.

The House of Frankenstein does not shy away from its predecessors, as it seamlessly weaves in the characters from different horror films into the narrative. The characters of Count Dracula and the Wolf Man add depth and complexity to the plot, and the new characters of Dr. Neimann and Daniel provide a different kind of villainous charisma, with Boris Karloff delivering a chillingly villainous performance.

The film is an excellent showcase of the different talents of some of the biggest horror film actors of the time, with Lon Chaney Jr. providing a powerful performance as the conflicted Wolf Man and J. Carrol Naish delivering an engaging and nuanced portrayal of the hunchbacked Daniel. Boris Karloff as Dr. Neimann provides a captivating performance, imbuing his on-screen persona with a deep sense of menace and savagery.

The House of Frankenstein is an excellent example of classic horror cinema, with its use of Gothic themes, evocative setting, and iconic horror characters coming together to create a suspenseful and gripping narrative. Its use of special effects and visual cues make the film visually stunning, while the performances of the actors add the vital human element to the film, making it relatable as well as terrifying.

Overall, House of Frankenstein is a must-watch film for horror fans, whether they are fans of the old-time horror classics or new to classic horror cinema. With its skillful blend of horror and action, the movie will keep viewers on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. The House of Frankenstein continues to remain a seminal work in the horror genre, showcasing the best elements of classic horror cinema while maintaining its iconic status to this day.

House of Frankenstein is a 1944 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.