Bride of the Monster (1955)

A mad doctor attempts to create atomic supermen.

Director:

Edward D. Wood Jr.

Writers:

Edward D. Wood Jr. (original story and screenplay), Alex Gordon (original story and screenplay)

Stars:

Bela Lugosi, Tor Johnson, Tony McCoy

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Bela Lugosi	...	Dr. Eric Vornoff
Tor Johnson	...	Lobo
Tony McCoy	...	Lt. Dick Craig
Loretta King	...	Janet Lawton
Harvey B. Dunn	...	Capt. Robbins
George Becwar	...	Prof. Strowski
Paul Marco	...	Kelton
Don Nagel	...	Martin (as Don Nagle)
Bud Osborne	...	Mac
John Warren	...	Jake
Ann Wilner	...	Tillie
Dolores Fuller	...	Margie
William 'Billy' Benedict	...	Newsboy (as William Benedict)
Ben Frommer	...	Drunk

Storyline

Rumours abound about what may go on at a creepy mansion just out of town. The house is owned by Dr. Eric Vornoff who is conducting experiments to turn people into super-beings through the use of atomic power. Reporter Janet Lawton decides to look into what is going there and its possible connection to men that have disappeared in the area. When Vornoff takes her prisoner, he has definite plans for her.

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Plot Keywords:

mad scientist | trash movie | ed wood | trash | psychotronic film | 

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Taglines:

It'll make your skin crawl!

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

William 'Billy' Benedict: The film includes a scene between Kelton the Cop and a newspaper seller. The latter is played one of "The Bowery Boys".

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Goofs

During the climactic shoot-out with Vornoff, Craig and Lawton are shown huddled on the ground looking up at the battle. A moment later Craig runs uphill towards Vornoff to confront him. In the very next shot he is shown coming downhill (over the crest of the hill) from behind him.

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Quotes

[last lines]
Captain Tom Robbins: He tampered in God's domain!

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Alternate Versions

Also available in a colorized version.

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Blood Waters of Dr. Z (1999)

User Reviews

One of Wood's most underrated movies. 'Bride Of The Monster' isn't anywhere near as bad as many claim and Lugosi is terrific!

Ever since The Golden Turkey Awards chose Ed Wood as the world's worst director back in the 80s there have been a lot of people who automatically dismiss all Ed Wood movies as garbage. Even Tim Burton's terrific 'Ed Wood' has encouraged this. My opinion is that there are many, many worse directors out there, because at least Wood's movies were fun and entertaining, unlike many of those made by the likes of Roland Emmerich or Michael Bay, directors who are able to work with budgets a 1000 times bigger than Wood I might add! 'Bride Of The Monster' is one of Wood's most underrated movies. It was his second movie to star horror legend Bela Lugosi, but unlike the first, the truly mind blowing 'Glen Or Glenda', it isn't completely inept. True, some of the acting is terrible, especially the talentless leading lady Loretta King who is (I admit it) lousy, and Wood regular Paul Marco, who has a small supporting role as a cop. But, and this is a BIG but, Lugosi is terrific. Many fans regard this as his best performance. I wouldn't go that far but it's hard not to get choked up at Lugosi's immortal "I have no home" speech. 'Bride Of The Monster' is the first Wood film to feature the amazing Tor Johnson. He plays Lugosi's Tibetan servant/slave Lobo. All the scenes with Lobo are great fun to watch, especially when Lugosi whips him. Apart from Lugosi and Tor this movie is best remembered for the rubber octopus monster. Of course it's a hoot, but the rest of the picture isn't anywhere near as bad as many claim and is comparable to say 'The Devil Bat', which Lugosi starred in back in the 1940s. Both movies suffer from their minuscule budgets, but both are still worth watching to see Lugosi struggle for greatness. I recommend 'Bride Of The Monster' to all horror fans, especially those of Bela Lugosi.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

February 1956 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Atomic Monster

Filming Locations:

Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$70,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rolling M. Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

69 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1