Frankenstein (1931)

The American pre-Code horror film Frankenstein (1931), directed by James Whale and produced by Carl Laemmle Jr., was adapted from a 1927 play by Peggy Webling which in turn was based on Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. In a Bavarian Alps village, Henry Frankenstein and his hunchback assistant Fritz assemble a human body using parts from both recently buried bodies and executed criminals. In his tower laboratory, Henry’s ultimate goal is to bring this body to life with the help of electrical devices, but he still needs a suitable brain. He enlists the help of his former teacher Dr. Waldman, who shows him the difference between a healthy and corrupted human brain in class.

With Fritz’s help, Henry attempts to steal the healthy brain but it ends up being damaged in the process. Instead, Fritz brings Henry the corrupt brain for his experiment. Elizabeth and Victor discuss Henry’s unusual behavior with their friend Waldman, seeking his insight. Waldman informs them that Henry has a desire to bring life into the world. Worried for Henry’s well-being, they rush to his laboratory and witness him preparing for his experiment on an operating table. With a storm raging outside, Henry invites Elizabeth and the others to watch as he and Fritz raise the table towards an opening at the top of the tower. The creature and equipment are then struck by lightning, bringing it to life.