Joel H
Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed feels like a few different movies crudely stitched together. The core story of Baron Frankenstein, Karl, and Anna is interesting, but every time Inspector Frisch (Thorley Walters) appeared, it felt like he was acting in an entirely separate film. And there were other inclusions that didn’t seem necessary or relevant. However, just when I was going to write this movie off as another sloppy Hammer horror flick, the final act started and really impressed me. So, while I don’t know if I’ll watch Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed again, parts of it will haunt me for a long time.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
10/08/24
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DanTheMan 2
I'm continually impressed by Hammer's ability to reinvent the very notion of a Frankenstein or Dracula movie, revitalising well-worn themes and consistently experimenting like the good Dr Frank himself. Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed sees the good doctor transplanted from his usual rural countryside shenanigans into a Jack the Ripper-style murder mystery, set in smokey Victorian London. It's easily a career-high for Cushing in the role of the Baron, relishing in every moment his character is committing acts of barbaric mutilation but with much more artless dialogue. It's an exceptionally grim tale that the film plays completely straight, although there are plenty of dark comedic moments sprinkled out; ultimately the scenes featuring Thorley Walters as Inspector Frisch feel very tacked on. With an all-round solid cast and injection of spirit Director Terence Fisher works wonders with the lavish set design of smog-covered London, thanks largely in part to the photography of Arthur Grant, all tapping into a rich vein of romanticism. There's just one rather sour moment that was included to appease the US market, but even with that scene, Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed is a real high point in Hammer's continued success.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
10/14/23
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Audience Member
This is the best "Frankenstein" film made by Hammer during its Golden Era. A must-see for any Hammer Films fan.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/11/23
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dave s
While it's not successful on all fronts, credit must be given to Hammer Films for at least trying to put a different spin on the Frankenstein story. In Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed, Dr Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) is intent on performing a brain transplant (for reasons too complicated to explain here) and, as could be predicted, things go horribly wrong. Where it differs, on the positive side, is that the monster, instead of being a hulking and hideous creature, is a lucid man who, in addition to needing little time to recover from his transplant, fully understands his predicament. Where it falters is with Dr Frankenstein himself. Normally portrayed as a quasi-likable madman pushing the boundaries of science, Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed portrays him as a blackmailer, kidnapper and rapist, leaving the audience with no protagonist to get behind.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
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deano w
Very entertaining with plot that focuses of the excellent Cushing as the mad doctor. The monster is surprisingly normal which is interesting as he visits his wife. Plot driven from the first scene and /cushing proves his worth in the difficult role.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
06/13/17
Full Review
Audience Member
Okay Hammer Horror picture about the evil Baron Frankenstein, Peter Cushing, trying to resurrect the dead again. This time he's putting the brain of his brilliant doctor friend into a dead man's body. Things do go not as planned. Like most Hammer pictures of the time, there is lots of blood and heaving bosoms. This film does have one unfortunate rape scene included that was added to the film in post production over the objections of the director and actors by the producers who felt the film needed more sex. It's an unpleasant scene and then is never brought up again in the film, so it absolutely makes to sense. Freddie Jones also appears in the film. There is also a fine score by James Bernard, but overall, this is a weaker Hammer Horror picture. I read several reviews saying how this was the best in the Hammer Frankenstein films, but now that I think about it, I I much preferred some of the prior films over this one. Watch the gonzo "Frankenstein's Army" for a much cooler reboot of the old Mary Shelly story.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
01/31/23
Full Review
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