She's Alive! Creating the Bride of Frankenstein (1999)
**** (out of 4)
Another terrific documentary that was originally released when BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN first hit DVD back in 1999 but it has since been re-released with the film countless times now. This is one you could watch yearly and never grow tired as the documentary does a terrific job at discussing the film as well as all the problems with the pre and post production. Joe Dante hosts and we get interviews with Rick Baker, Dwight David Frye, Paul Jensen, Bill Condon, Clive Barker, Sara Karloff, Scott MacQueen and Gregory Mank. All of the interview have interesting options and tell some terrific stories. For me the most interesting thing about the film is what is missing. We learn about the subplot dealing with the Dwight Frye character, which was apparently about ten minutes worth of footage. We also learn about some other scenes that were cut out due to the censor boards. It's interesting to think that had James Whale agreed to do the film earlier then we probably wouldn't have had to worry about all the edits as the Production Code didn't go into full effect until 1934; a year after BRIDE was released. Baker tells some great observations about the difference in make up for Karloff and the monster and Karloff's daughter shares a few fond memories of stories her dad told her. A couple of the guys interviewed had at one time spoke with Elsa Lancaster so it's great getting to hear what she thought of the film. Many of the experts and fans here call BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN the greatest horror movies and simply one of the greatest films no matter what genre. I'd certainly have to agree and this documentary is a great way to learn some other stuff about the production.
