The Horror of Frankenstein (1970) – Film Review

Director: Jimmy Sangster
Cast: Ralph Bates, Kate O’Mara, Veronica Carlson
Certificate: 12

By Sarah Morgan

Those in charge at Hammer Films have spent the past year or so dusting down entries in the studio’s back catalogue, giving them swanky 4K restorations and reissuing them in extraordinary limited edition boxsets featuring a wealth of supplemental material, including documentaries, audio commentaries and booklets containing new writing on the movies and their makers.

But the famed company isn’t the only firm doing such a thing – as you’ll see if you purchase Studiocanal’s UHD debut of The Horror of Frankenstein. Released in 1970, it’s the only entry in Hammer’s Frankenstein franchise not to feature Peter Cushing as the bad Baron who obsessively tries to make a human out of dead body parts.

“Mirthful moments”

Instead Ralph Bates, who at the time was being groomed as the studio’s next star by its head honchos, takes over the role – Cushing would certainly have been too old to portray this version of the mad scientist; the plot is a semi-parody and part-remake of Hammer’s first gothic horror, The Curse of Frankenstein, and delves into the character’s formative years as a student and beyond.

The screenplay was written by Jimmy Sangster, who also penned Curse; he directs the film too, adding a handful of mirthful moments to the blood and gore, as well as plenty of sex courtesy of Kate O’Mara and Veronica Carlson who both have designs on the Baron, albeit in very different ways.

The cast also includes such familiar faces as David Prowse as the creature (he would play it again for Hammer in 1974’s Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell), Jon Finch, Bernard Archard and James Cossins.

“Great deal of fun”

However, it’s Dennis Price who steals the whole show as a rather cheerful graverobber who meets an unceremonious end; the actor, whose career was somewhat on the slide at the time, appears to be having a great deal of fun with the role.

Although not in the top rank of Hammer’s output, it’s a decent time-passer which was released as a double bill with Scars of Dracula, which is receiving a UHD release on the same day.

Special features include interviews with fans and experts, and there’s a booklet to enjoy flicking through too.

Sarah Morgan( Writer )

Sarah Morgan studied film journalism at post-graduate level with the BFI and has been writing about TV and film for PA Media’s newspaper, magazine and new media customers since 1996. She’s also written for a wide range of other publications, both online and in print, including the book Offbeat and Intermission magazine, and is a regular contributor to the Talking Pictures TV podcast. When she isn’t watching movies, she’s collecting and reading vintage crime and horror paperback books or, for her sins, watching her beloved Sheffield Wednesday.

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FAQs – The Horror of Frankenstein (1970) 4K UHD Collector’s Edition

What is The Horror of Frankenstein about?

A cold, ambitious Victor Frankenstein murders his father, inherits the title and fortune, then builds a creature from human parts – unleashing it on the world.

How does it differ from earlier Hammer Frankenstein films?

It is a semi-parody and partial remake of The Curse of Frankenstein – focused on Victor’s student years – with a lighter, cheekier tone alongside the gore.

Who stars and who directs?

Ralph Bates takes over as Victor Frankenstein – David Prowse plays the creature – with Kate O’Mara and Veronica Carlson in key roles. Jimmy Sangster writes and directs.

Is Peter Cushing in this one?

No – it is the only Hammer Frankenstein feature without Peter Cushing as the Baron.

Who else is in the cast?

Dennis Price, Jon Finch, Bernard Archard and James Cossins – with Price stealing scenes as a jaunty graverobber.

What is included in the Studiocanal 4K release?

A new UHD presentation with premium packaging – two posters – and a 64-page perfect-bound booklet included with both this and the companion Scars of Dracula release.

What special features are on the disc?

“It’s Alive!” revisiting feature – Gallows Humour making-of – audio commentary with Marcus Hearn and Jimmy Sangster – conversations with Veronica Carlson and David Prowse – stills gallery – original trailer.

Is this film top-tier Hammer?

Not usually ranked among the studio’s very best – but it is an entertaining curio with wit, blood and a youthful take on the Baron.

How does it pair with Scars of Dracula?

They originally shared a double bill in 1970 – the new Collector’s Editions arrive together, making a neat Hammer twin purchase.

Who will enjoy this edition?

Hammer completists, Gothic horror fans and collectors seeking a fresh 4K upgrade with substantial extras and booklet content.