Watch Son of Frankenstein

Son of Frankenstein, released in 1939, is the third instalment in Universal's Frankenstein series. Directed by Rowland V. Lee, the movie starred Boris Karloff, Basil Rathbone, and Bela Lugosi among others. The storyline of this film revolves around the son of the notorious scientist, Baron Frankenstein, who returns to his family's castle in Transylvania. Baron Wolf von Frankenstein (played by Basil Rathbone) is a highly educated scientist who is determined to restore his father's legacy. He brings along with him his wife and young son, Peter. However, upon arriving at the castle, he learns about the atrocities committed by his father and the mad experiments he performed.

One of the most iconic elements of the Frankenstein series has always been the character of the monster. In this film, we see the monster (played once again by Boris Karloff) return, but he has a different personality. Rather than being the mindless brute that he was in the previous movies, this version of the monster shows a higher level of intelligence and speech. Karloff brings the creature to life with his physical performance, capturing the unique mixture of vulnerability and menace that defines the monster's character.

In addition to the monster, the film also introduces Bela Lugosi as Ygor, a deformed shepherd who becomes an ally to the monster. Ygor is one of the most striking characters in the movie, with his twisted body and sinister demeanor. He becomes a crucial figure in the story as he convinces Wolf to revive the monster, promising to help him restore the Frankenstein name and claim the family estate.

The film's setting is equally important to the story, with the castle being the primary location. The Gothic architecture and gloomy atmosphere contribute to the overall sense of dread and unease that permeates the film. The sets are stunning, and the cinematography is top-notch. The director does an amazing job of building tension and keeping the audience engaged throughout the movie.

Son of Frankenstein features some of the most iconic horror movie moments of all time, including the scene where the monster is revived and unleashed on the town, as well as the electrifying finale where the heroes confront the monster and Ygor in the castle's laboratory. The movie's special effects and makeup are masterfully done and are still impressive to this day.

The film also explores themes of power, revenge, and obsession. Wolf Von Frankenstein is a character who is driven to achieve greatness and restore his family's name, but his ambitions ultimately become his downfall. Meanwhile, Ygor is a character who seeks revenge for his past mistreatment while the monster is a victim of circumstance - both are looking for a sense of purpose and belonging, even if it comes at a high cost.

Overall, Son of Frankenstein is a timeless masterpiece of horror cinema which paved the way for the many other monster movies that would follow. From the excellent acting to the stunning visuals and eerie atmosphere, this movie continues to captivate audiences to this day. If you're a fan of classic horror movies, Son of Frankenstein is a must-watch.

Son of Frankenstein is a 1939 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.