Watch Jessie James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter
- NR
- 2016
- 1 hr 23 min
-
3.4 (2,116)
Jessie James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter is a 1966 horror-western film directed by William Beaudine. The movie brings together two legendary characters, Jessie James, the notorious American outlaw, and Frankenstein's Daughter, who is continuing her grandfather's infamous experiments on reanimation. The film follows a peculiar story that blends elements of horror, science fiction, and Western genres.
The film opens with Jessie James and his partner Hank Tracy robbing a bank. During the heist, Tracy is shot, and James seeks refuge with Dr. Maria Frankenstein, who is posing as a nurse at a local medical clinic. Jessie is immediately drawn to Maria, but he has no idea about her true identity and her horrific experiments. Meanwhile, Maria is seeking human subjects for her experiments, which involve reanimating dead bodies using an electrical device.
As James recovers from his injuries at the clinic, he discovers Maria's true identity and her sinister plans. He tries to escape but is captured by Maria's henchmen and becomes a test subject for her experiments. Maria uses her electrical device to reanimate Tracy's corpse, turning him into a mindless monster, which she commands to do her bidding.
The narrative picks up pace as James and Maria engage in a cat-and-mouse game, with James trying to escape Maria's clutches and put an end to her experiments. Along the way, James teams up with Maria's lab assistant, who has become disillusioned with her employer's experiments, and they devise a plan to stop Maria and her monstrous creations.
The movie employs a combination of horror elements and western tropes, which gives it a unique flavor. The film's gothic atmosphere and eerie laboratory scenes contrast with the rugged landscapes and dusty towns of the western setting. The film also features a fair share of action scenes, which add to the film's entertainment value.
The lead actors perform their roles adequately but are largely forgettable. John Lupton as Jesse James delivers a serviceable performance but fails to make a lasting impression. Narda Onyx as Maria Frankenstein, however, steals the show with her portrayal of the mad scientist, bringing a sense of gravitas to the character. Cal Bolder as Hank Tracy, Jessie's partner, provides some comic relief with his exaggerated expressions and antics.
The movie's production values are mediocre, with subpar special effects and a low-budget feel. The film's monster costumes are clunky and unconvincing, which undermines the horror aspects of the movie. Nonetheless, the movie's campy charm and bizarre premise compensate for its technical limitations.
Overall, Jessie James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter is an oddity that will appeal to fans of both horror and western cinema. The movie's absurd premise and melding of genres make for a fun, if forgettable, viewing experience. The film's unique blend of horror and westerns, along with its off-kilter charm, ensures it will find a cult following among fans of classic monster movies.