Gods and Monsters (1998)

The last days of Frankenstein (1931) Director James Whale are explored.

Director:

Bill Condon

Writers:

Christopher Bram (novel), Bill Condon (screenplay)

Stars:

Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave

Won 1 Oscar. Another 37 wins & 33 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ian McKellen	...	James Whale
Brendan Fraser	...	Clayton Boone
Lynn Redgrave	...	Hanna
Lolita Davidovich	...	Betty
David Dukes	...	David Lewis
Kevin J. O'Connor	...	Harry
Mark Kiely	...	Dwight
Jack Plotnick	...	Edmund Kay
Rosalind Ayres	...	Elsa Lanchester
Jack Betts	...	Boris Karloff
Matt McKenzie	...	Colin Clive
Todd Babcock	...	Leonard Barnett
Cornelia Hayes O'Herlihy	...	Princess Margaret
Brandon Kleyla	...	Young Whale
Pamela Salem	...	Sarah Whale

Storyline

1957. Long having retired, James Whale, arguably most famous for directing Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935) among some other 1930s horror classics, has burned his bridges with the Hollywood community in they having abandoned him, the possible exception being his continuing friendship with former lover David Lewis, James openly gay even during his working period. He is in declining health having recently been released from hospital where he was recuperating from a stroke, he left with some permanent health issues the aftermath of the stroke. Much against the disapproval of his loyal longtime housekeeper Hanna, his health does not prevent him from toying with the handsome young men who may wander into his midst in his continuing homosexual desires, although Hanna is as much if not more concerned about any of those young men taking advantage of him in his elderly and fragile state. The young man who catches his eye among the most recent is Clayton Boone, who Hanna ...

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Plot Keywords:

gay interest | film history | film director | los angeles california | gardener | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual material and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sir Ian McKellen said that he felt very comfortable playing the role of James Whale. Like Whale, McKellan is a homosexual British actor, who spent his early career in the theater, and ultimately started a career in Hollywood.

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Goofs

The Fiesta disc pitcher used by Hanna in the studio is the post-1986 yellow not the original yellow that would have existed in 1957.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Hannah: [whispering] She was ugly when I brought her. I not like her. Mr. Jimmy not like her. Better you indicate, Mr. David.
David Lewis: Stop.
Hannah: Shhh.

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Crazy Credits

The story of this motion picture is based upon certain, actual events and persons. However, some of the characters, incidents and names are fictionized.

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Connections

References Frankenstein (1931)

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Soundtracks

Bride of Frankenstein
Written by Franz Waxman
Published by EMI Robbins/Fidelio Music Publishing

User Reviews

Brendan Fraser is terrific, and the film won over 30 awards.

Any film that has won over 30 awards must be respected. It is indeed a very good film, although the story line is deep and psychologically heavy so it is not everyone's cup of tea (or "everyone's tea cup" as the foreign maid played by Lynn Redgrave said in the film). Due credit must be given for a credible script and the story itself, based on truth although fictionalized as per the gardener's relationship with director Whale.

Brendan Fraser proves himself to be an excellent actor. We will no doubt see a lot more of him in leading roles.

Unbelievable that best-actor-Oscar-winner Ian McKellen was only 59 years old. He must be a smoker!

If you are a serious film buff, see it. It has lots of depth.

Details

Official Sites:

Gods and Monsters

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English Hungarian

Release Date:

4 November 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Father of Frankenstein

Filming Locations:

Arden Villa - 1145 Arden Road, Pasadena, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$75,508, 8 November 1998

Gross USA:

$6,451,628

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$6,451,628

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lions Gate Films, Showtime Networks, Flashpoint (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1