Definitely something of interest for the lover of early monster movies. It's only a pilot and it's short but its good. If you liked the Frankenstein monster concept, this is a tidy tidbit of a good old monster movie that I think you will enjoy. This black and white gem has a good plot, good acting, great atmosphere and all you would expect from an old fashioned monster movie. Too bad the pilot was never picked up. What if there was a field of these little gems instead of just one. Oh well, we'll never know how a series would have done but do take a look at Tales of Frankenstein the one that was made. Have fun and enjoy this short well done monster movie.
22 Reviews
The Award Theater: TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN (TV) (Curt Siodmak, 1958) **1/2
Bunuel197623 January 2010
Yet another short TV production of the horror perennial whose major point of interest nowadays resides in its being capped by the double-shocker end credits - "Produced by Michael Carreras" and "A Hammer Film Production" - despite the fact that, being shot in black and white and directed by Curt Siodmak, it is clearly emulating the Universal template of almost thirty years previously rather than the fresh angle given by Hammer themselves!; other remnants of that consequently archaic influence are shots lifted from Tod Browning's Dracula (1931; the brides of Dracula) and the INNER SANCTUM series (the talking head). Actually, this above-average program was a co-production between Hammer and Columbia and features both future Hammer (a respectable but dour Anton Diffring in the lead) and past Universal (Ludwig Stossel as a tavern-keeper) alumni. Intended as a pilot for a proposed 26 episode TV horror anthology series to be filmed partly on the Columbia backlot and at Hammer's Bray Studios, it is no surprise that it failed and the plans for the follow-ups aborted. Frankly, the new storyline is weak: despite the fact that Baron Frankenstein has still not completed his life-giving experiments, the villagers are already scared shitless of him(!) and, worse still, an out-of-town couple (including a moribund husband) call on him for a miracle cure!! Even so, the Karloff-like monster - another Universal nod in this anomalous Hammer entry - is suitably menacing (if nothing else) as played by Don Megowan - previously of the Columbia horror programmer THE WEREWOLF (1956), which I will be watching later on during this Halloween Challenge - and, as usual, that wholly intoxicating black-and-white Gothic atmosphere wins the day in the end.
An Untold Tale of Frankenstein
wes-connors1 March 2009
"Dr. Frankenstein has recreated his creature, but wishes to correct his previous mistake. He wishes to prevent his creation from any further murderous rampages by placing the brain of a good man inside the skull of the monster. The arrival of a woman and her terminally ill husband offer the doctor an opportunity to try his new theory," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis.
Anton Diffring (as Baron Von Frankenstein) is an extremely enjoyable and effective leading man.
If this is, indeed, the pilot for an unsold television series, it's difficult to understand how they were going to come up with the nearly 40 per season story ideas. As a short movie, writer/director Curt Siodmak does surprisingly well in this format, creating a "new" story to work within the existing "Frankenstein" mythos; and, it's much better than the average 1958 half hour teleplay.
****** Tales of Frankenstein (1958) Curt Siodmak ~ Anton Diffring Helen Westcott, Don Megowan
Anton Diffring (as Baron Von Frankenstein) is an extremely enjoyable and effective leading man.
If this is, indeed, the pilot for an unsold television series, it's difficult to understand how they were going to come up with the nearly 40 per season story ideas. As a short movie, writer/director Curt Siodmak does surprisingly well in this format, creating a "new" story to work within the existing "Frankenstein" mythos; and, it's much better than the average 1958 half hour teleplay.
****** Tales of Frankenstein (1958) Curt Siodmak ~ Anton Diffring Helen Westcott, Don Megowan
Very interesting curio
grghull28 August 2005
Like a previous poster I was familiar with this unsold pilot mostly through stills in the old Famous Monsters magazine. I recently picked up a cheap DVD (from Alpha Video, who release a lot of interesting stuff) containing TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN with Corman's THE TERROR as a second feature. TERROR I'd seen many times before, but FRANKENSTEIN was truly interesting. It has the unmistakable feel of a 50s TV show but at the same time is reasonably well mounted and maintains a lot of the atmosphere of the old Universal Frankenstein movies, complete with raging thunderstorms and a laboratory full of crackling equipment. It was supposedly a co-production between Columbia Pictures' Screen Gems division and Hammer films, but there's very little Hammer atmosphere here (except for the costume worn by Anton Diffring as Frankenstein, which looks like Peter Cushing's hand me downs). Don Megowen makes a very formidable Monster, with a flat-topped make-up not unlike the old Karloff monster. Which is strange since Universal usually protected their copyright quite aggressively. At any rate, fans of vintage horror could do a lot worse than check this out.
Failed Television Pilot Makes For a Decent Short Film
gavin694231 December 2008
Frankenstein's reputation has done well for him. He has created another "monster", but needs a mind to control it. When a terminally ill subject enters his lab, he sees an opportunity to create the perfect being -- not having to rely on dead or criminal brains.
Anton Diffring ("Beast Must Die") stars as Baron Frankenstein and does a fine job. So does everyone else. For a television show, I'm uncertain ho this would have fared, particularly in the 1950s. And what would the story be? Would Frankenstein try a new brain each week? That would get old... or I've heard rumor it as to feature a different monster. That has some merit, but how many monsters are there? Dracula would make a much better ongoing character...
Luckily for us this pilot survived as a short film, and a decent one at that. Perhaps not a memorable one, but a strong piece of the Frankenstein story from a director ho knows the man and the monster ("Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman", for example).
This one crossed my desk through a box set. I'm not sure ho easily available it is, but if you get a chance to check it out, do so. It's only 27 minutes long, so you'd hardly be "wasting" time on this better-than-average attempt at a good horror story. "Tales From the Crypt" has done worse.
Anton Diffring ("Beast Must Die") stars as Baron Frankenstein and does a fine job. So does everyone else. For a television show, I'm uncertain ho this would have fared, particularly in the 1950s. And what would the story be? Would Frankenstein try a new brain each week? That would get old... or I've heard rumor it as to feature a different monster. That has some merit, but how many monsters are there? Dracula would make a much better ongoing character...
Luckily for us this pilot survived as a short film, and a decent one at that. Perhaps not a memorable one, but a strong piece of the Frankenstein story from a director ho knows the man and the monster ("Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman", for example).
This one crossed my desk through a box set. I'm not sure ho easily available it is, but if you get a chance to check it out, do so. It's only 27 minutes long, so you'd hardly be "wasting" time on this better-than-average attempt at a good horror story. "Tales From the Crypt" has done worse.
Failed TV pilot, but surprisingly good.
rcslone58 June 2009
This is the pilot for a TV series that didn't get picked up. It features a different telling of the familiar story of Baron Frankenstein and his monster. Well acted with good sets and fine production values, I'm surprised this didn't get a shot as a regular series. Features some stock footage from old Universal horror films, but if your going to use stock footage, that is perfect for this type of show. Was produced by Hammer Studios, who were famous for their own horror movies. Richard Bull, who was Mr. Olsen on Little House on the Praire, has a significant role in this show.
Well worth picking up, as this is part of many different public domain horror collections. I picked this up in Mill Creek's 250 movie Horror Collection, and this has been one of the big highlights. The quality of this print was very good, with clear audio and a nice picture.
I gave this 7 out of 10.
Well worth picking up, as this is part of many different public domain horror collections. I picked this up in Mill Creek's 250 movie Horror Collection, and this has been one of the big highlights. The quality of this print was very good, with clear audio and a nice picture.
I gave this 7 out of 10.
Great idea--pedestrian execution.
planktonrules9 December 2009
The idea of making a weekly monster show for television was very clever--and a soap opera-like version of this concept was successful in the late 1960s with "Dark Shadows". However, while the idea was great, the execution left a lot to be desired. In this pilot episode, the entire story you'd find in a full-length Frankenstein film is crammed into this tiny time slot. As a result, all the subtlety and atmosphere is diminished. It's obvious that it just wasn't working when an excellent choice for the Doctor (Anton Diffring) came off as bland. He should have been a lot better and easily could if they had done just one thing that "Dark Shadows" did--don't try to tell the entire story in 27 minutes but make the stories multi-part so they aren't rushed. The pilot could have easily lasted two or three or even more episodes. But, because it is rushed, the story is flat...and there was too much use of poorly integrated stock footage (such as the vampire women from Dracula). Too bad, as a weekly monster show was a great idea.
If you are curious and wish to see it, it's available for free download at archive.org--a site often linked to IMDb.
If you are curious and wish to see it, it's available for free download at archive.org--a site often linked to IMDb.
Atmospheric and Promising Pilot to a Hammer Frankenstein Series that Would Never be Made
Witchfinder-General-6662 March 2011
TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN of 1958 is the pilot from the British Hammer Studios, which was never continued as a TV series. This was made right after Hammer's first successful and highly influential Gothic Horror film THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1957) starring the great Peter Cushing in the role of the eponymous Baron, a role which he would reprise five more times. On the one hand, it is highly regrettable that TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN, which stars the sinister Anton Diffring, never became a show. On the other hand, it is debatable whether Hammer had made any sequels to their first success, if their had been a FRANKENSTEIN show on TV; since the FRANKENSTEIN sequels from Hammer are entirely great, some arguably even greater than the 1957 film, their not having been produced would be tragic for the world of Horror.
TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN is interesting in particular due to the charismatic performance of Anton Diffring, a specialist for sinister characters, and due to the fact that it mixes the styles of Hammer and the original Universal Horror films. Especially by its looks, this has a stronger resemblance to the Classic Horrors from Universal. The set pieces are Gothic and elegant, and the film has a nice, eerie atmosphere. The storyline is interesting enough: Baron Frankestein (Diffring) is experimenting on his creation, trying to make the monster less aggressive. A terminally ill concert pianist (Richard Bull) and his wife come to Frankenstein's castle in order to ask for the Baron's help...
Overall, this 28-minute flick is a highly interesting little gem that especially Classic Horror fans should not miss. Diffring is great (even though not quite as great as Cushing), the atmosphere is gloomy, and the story interesting. Ignoring the previously made assumption that making the TV show might have resulted in the film sequels not being made, one can only say: Too bad this series was never made. It would have probably been quite something. Not to be missed.
TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN is interesting in particular due to the charismatic performance of Anton Diffring, a specialist for sinister characters, and due to the fact that it mixes the styles of Hammer and the original Universal Horror films. Especially by its looks, this has a stronger resemblance to the Classic Horrors from Universal. The set pieces are Gothic and elegant, and the film has a nice, eerie atmosphere. The storyline is interesting enough: Baron Frankestein (Diffring) is experimenting on his creation, trying to make the monster less aggressive. A terminally ill concert pianist (Richard Bull) and his wife come to Frankenstein's castle in order to ask for the Baron's help...
Overall, this 28-minute flick is a highly interesting little gem that especially Classic Horror fans should not miss. Diffring is great (even though not quite as great as Cushing), the atmosphere is gloomy, and the story interesting. Ignoring the previously made assumption that making the TV show might have resulted in the film sequels not being made, one can only say: Too bad this series was never made. It would have probably been quite something. Not to be missed.
Interesting but flawed collaboration.
Boba_Fett113819 October 2007
This is an unsold TV-pilot for a TV-series based on the Frankenstein franchise and is a collaboration between the Hammer Studios and Universal (through Revue Studios). It sounds like the most perfect combination; The Universal Frankstein creature and movies are of course among the best and most famous out of movie history and the Hammer Studios were of course at their prime and at the top of the horror genre in the '50's. They also had already made a couple of Frankenstein movies, starring Peter Cushing in the role of the good old baron. In that regard "Tales of Frankenstein" is a disappointing collaboration.
For its time, the pilot looks terribly old fashioned and also is directed in that way. Guess it was done on purpose, to try to recapture the mood and atmosphere of the '30's Frankenstein movies and horror in general.
But to me the main problem with "Tales of Frankenstein" was its incredibly simple and also formulaic story. It's of course mostly set up so it can introduces the characters and set out the main outline for the potential series. The events and dialog feel rather bland and make a weak impression, which is also really due to the very simplistic and weak directing. Director Curt Siodmak had more success and also talent as a writer.
Anton Diffring really wasn't the most perfect choice for the role of the baron. Now maybe if only Peter Cushing had played the role...Don Megowan however makes a good impression as the monster, though his make-up effects are certainly lacking.
Still of course I wouldn't had mind seeing this pilot expanding into a TV-series. It showed some interesting potential, though I can also understand why this pilot was never picked up by any TV station. It's worth a look for the '30's- and/or Hammer Studio horror fans.
5/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
For its time, the pilot looks terribly old fashioned and also is directed in that way. Guess it was done on purpose, to try to recapture the mood and atmosphere of the '30's Frankenstein movies and horror in general.
But to me the main problem with "Tales of Frankenstein" was its incredibly simple and also formulaic story. It's of course mostly set up so it can introduces the characters and set out the main outline for the potential series. The events and dialog feel rather bland and make a weak impression, which is also really due to the very simplistic and weak directing. Director Curt Siodmak had more success and also talent as a writer.
Anton Diffring really wasn't the most perfect choice for the role of the baron. Now maybe if only Peter Cushing had played the role...Don Megowan however makes a good impression as the monster, though his make-up effects are certainly lacking.
Still of course I wouldn't had mind seeing this pilot expanding into a TV-series. It showed some interesting potential, though I can also understand why this pilot was never picked up by any TV station. It's worth a look for the '30's- and/or Hammer Studio horror fans.
5/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
Would Having A Different Brain Really Matter?
strong-122-47888524 November 2016
"Fee.... Fye.... Foe.... Fum!"
When it comes to 1950's TV-Horror - I'd say that this British, pilot episode (for a series that never materialized) actually delivered quite an effective little spin on the old, familiar tale of Frankenstein and his "creation".
Judging by the obvious production values of this one episode - It was clear to see that there was a sizable budget in play here. And it was also quite apparent that the tone of Gothic "atmosphere" was definitely the name of the game.
Featuring a competent cast of sincere actors - I especially liked Don Megowan's portrayal of the mute, tormented monster. At a towering 6' 6" - Megowan certainly stood a head taller than anyone else and he sure put in a convincing performance as the outraged creature who receives an unexpected "cerebellum" make-over.
When it comes to 1950's TV-Horror - I'd say that this British, pilot episode (for a series that never materialized) actually delivered quite an effective little spin on the old, familiar tale of Frankenstein and his "creation".
Judging by the obvious production values of this one episode - It was clear to see that there was a sizable budget in play here. And it was also quite apparent that the tone of Gothic "atmosphere" was definitely the name of the game.
Featuring a competent cast of sincere actors - I especially liked Don Megowan's portrayal of the mute, tormented monster. At a towering 6' 6" - Megowan certainly stood a head taller than anyone else and he sure put in a convincing performance as the outraged creature who receives an unexpected "cerebellum" make-over.
if you like Hammer horror....
winner5527 December 2011
Yes, this pilot failed to sell a show to American TV. Nevermind; it is the first in the series of Hammer Frankenstein films that ran well into the '70s. Everything is here - the homage to universal, the darker characterization of Doctor Frankenstein, the decision to place the series in a 19th century setting.... The ending of this short film would be rewritten as the end of "The Curse of Frankenstein." Okay, it's not really much more than a neat little B-movie short; but what else would one want from a Hammer horror film? And the hiring of Universal horror films writer Curt Siodmak to write the script is a nice touch of linking with the 'grand tradition' of Frankenstein films. Besides, it must be noted that the budget here is really far beyond any American TV programming of the day; nice sets, nice photography, excellent acting.
(What probably killed off this series was the follow up - there was actually a second episode produced - I've seen it, but can't remember the title - but it was pretty typical generic suspense fair for the time - well produced but unnecessary.)
This wins high marks as a point of historical origin and thus very important. And a well done B-movie horror short in any event.
(What probably killed off this series was the follow up - there was actually a second episode produced - I've seen it, but can't remember the title - but it was pretty typical generic suspense fair for the time - well produced but unnecessary.)
This wins high marks as a point of historical origin and thus very important. And a well done B-movie horror short in any event.
The camp, the goofy, the crapprologue to some genre theory
Cristi_Ciopron26 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This exquisite TV pilot cannot be overrated. It ranks with the best TV stuff ever, and it is a joy for the cinema buff to praise it. Its form is very adequateconcise and lapidary, nononsense. It has great emotional density. A masterful treatment of a camp legend. It is a new version of the tale of Frankenstein's uncanny, cursed experiments. The intelligence put in this pilot episode is quite unusual even for a period rich in TV and movie accomplishments. TALES
belongs to the highest class of the B league.
A word about the advantages of the shorter TV episodes. They are more than a sketch, less than a waste of time.
The short episodes all managed their content much better than the ulterior longer ones. An episode consists essentially of one idea. The compact, laconic ,sustained form of these short episodes served the contents the best. It is also a taste for this rapidity that does not allow the action to linger.
TALES makes obvious the advantages of this concentrated, ultradense and highly dramatic form. Here the content consists of emotions.
The B movies fall into three categoriesthe camp (that is, the dignified and respectable movies that belong to the B in virtue of their budget restrictionsmodest ,even tiny budget ;indeed artistic and intelligent, small jewels of taste and skills, they may sometimes B classified as B not only in virtue of their tiny budget, but also for adopting some notes and touches that distinguish the B leaguethe B indicates also their aesthetics, not only their budget; this is true for melodramas, noir films, SciFi, etc., i.e. genre films generally );the goofy (sometimes silly, goofy, clumsy, yet amiable, enjoyed, very likable; they do have qualities, even charm);and the crap, the inexcusably bad movies .Needless to say that a lot of A movies are very camp, today most of the bigbudget are; or,often, less than that. Sometimes, the B movies, when not exclusively comic, may be straightforwardmovies to take as straightforward stories; others, humorous; others, straight masquerading as humorous, or viceversa.
Back to the TALES ...:extraordinary TV ....
A word about the advantages of the shorter TV episodes. They are more than a sketch, less than a waste of time.
The short episodes all managed their content much better than the ulterior longer ones. An episode consists essentially of one idea. The compact, laconic ,sustained form of these short episodes served the contents the best. It is also a taste for this rapidity that does not allow the action to linger.
TALES makes obvious the advantages of this concentrated, ultradense and highly dramatic form. Here the content consists of emotions.
The B movies fall into three categoriesthe camp (that is, the dignified and respectable movies that belong to the B in virtue of their budget restrictionsmodest ,even tiny budget ;indeed artistic and intelligent, small jewels of taste and skills, they may sometimes B classified as B not only in virtue of their tiny budget, but also for adopting some notes and touches that distinguish the B leaguethe B indicates also their aesthetics, not only their budget; this is true for melodramas, noir films, SciFi, etc., i.e. genre films generally );the goofy (sometimes silly, goofy, clumsy, yet amiable, enjoyed, very likable; they do have qualities, even charm);and the crap, the inexcusably bad movies .Needless to say that a lot of A movies are very camp, today most of the bigbudget are; or,often, less than that. Sometimes, the B movies, when not exclusively comic, may be straightforwardmovies to take as straightforward stories; others, humorous; others, straight masquerading as humorous, or viceversa.
Back to the TALES ...:extraordinary TV ....
Good fun,shame it never got sold
HaddonfieldJason8 February 2004
This unused pilot for a television series about Frankenstein's Monster is very good,for what it is. I would have liked to have seen what else they could have thought of. Yes it is cheesy,even for a horror film,but you must remember it was meant to be that way. The plot is great actually for a series pilot.I would have liked to have seen what would have happened next,and with Curt Siodmak,one of the fathers of the Universal Horror Genre,and Creator of The Wolf Man, in the writer,and directors chair we could have had a real treat.
Tales of Frankenstein
Scarecrow-8816 October 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Baron Victor Frankenstein(Anton Diffring) needs to make quality alterations to his human junk heap which has a murderer's brain and is unstable. Ms. Halpert(Helen Westcott) begs for help in regards to her sick sculptor husband(he's ill, it's his heart), even pleading for Frankenstein himself, yet no one seems to be able to. Ms. Halpert had heard about Frankenstein's experiments with life and death and believed if anyone could assist her husband, it'd be him. But, Frankenstein was only concerned with what his own creation could attain from fresh corpses of the newly dead and when Christine's husband dies, he sees a golden opportunity to gain a new brain for his monster. After his death, Christine discovers Frankenstein raided her husband's grave, wondering if the scientist has brought him back to life. What Christine does see is anything but the man for whom she married. Frankenstein's efforts to control the monster once he awakens becomes taxing because the brain belongs to another man and he sees Christine who forces her way into the scientist's laboratory.
After watching this pilot I will always question just how good such a show could've been with the caliber of an Anton Diffring in the role of Frankenstein. Hell, I'd like to have seen Diffring in a movie as the Baron. This pilot came right after Hammer's popular revival of the Frankenstein franchise with Cushing as Baron Victor. What might've been..*sigh*. Screenplay writer Curt Siodmak got a chance to sit in the director's chair, and this 28 minute show is but a brief glimpse at the potential of a major mind behind several Universal movies associated with Hammer studios. I had a good time while this lasted, but, damn, I wish it were longer. It's almost like the appetizer before a great meal, yet it never arrives. One of the only chances Hammer fans can see a horror film released by the studios in beautiful B&W. Interesting enough, this looks a lot like a Universal film!
After watching this pilot I will always question just how good such a show could've been with the caliber of an Anton Diffring in the role of Frankenstein. Hell, I'd like to have seen Diffring in a movie as the Baron. This pilot came right after Hammer's popular revival of the Frankenstein franchise with Cushing as Baron Victor. What might've been..*sigh*. Screenplay writer Curt Siodmak got a chance to sit in the director's chair, and this 28 minute show is but a brief glimpse at the potential of a major mind behind several Universal movies associated with Hammer studios. I had a good time while this lasted, but, damn, I wish it were longer. It's almost like the appetizer before a great meal, yet it never arrives. One of the only chances Hammer fans can see a horror film released by the studios in beautiful B&W. Interesting enough, this looks a lot like a Universal film!
When Universal meets Hammer...
Leofwine_draca5 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Coming in at just under half an hour, this is the pilot for a '50s horror television series that was never picked up by a network. It's the result of a collaboration between two studios, Universal and Hammer, and it's worth a look for fans who were wondering what a cross between the two styles of films would look like. The director is Curt Siodmak, a chap who made a living writing and directing creature flicks, and he brings an enthusiasm to the project that enlivens it a whole lot.
Of course, as the running time is so short, things are incredibly fast paced. Within the first five minutes, Frankenstein has already brought his creation to life, as well as having a fight with it and electrocuting it! The story, which was written by famed sci-fi husband-and-wife writing team Henry Kuttner and C. L. Moore, involves a dying man whose wife wishes Frankenstein to sustain him. The baron does, but not in the way they imagined; after some grave-robbing shenanigans later, the monster's back, although this time it inevitably goes after the woman. The climax is action-packed and involves a nice set-piece in a graveyard.
The short running time is also this film's curse. There just isn't enough time to flesh out any of the characters, so they're all as two-dimensional as the creature. I loved the look of the flick, with its spooky props and moonlit settings, but there's a conspicuous absence of gore or surgery – instead the focus is very much on Universal-style creature frolics, with a particular emphasis on the Baron grappling with his creation. As Frankenstein, Anton Diffring is an inspired choice; being German, he's probably the only actor in the role who actually SOUNDS authentic. Diffring had already had quite a career by the time he starred in this, and he makes a good fist of it. If the inspiration behind Diffring's character is clearly Peter Cushing – the two are made up to look the same – then the inspiration for the monster is definitely Boris Karloff. Sadly, the make-up job here is fairly rubbish, as bad as that in THE EVIL OF FRANKENSTEIN, and Don Megowan is never more than a cheap imitator, worse than Glenn Strange! Still, Helen Westcott adds a pretty face and the atmospheric black-and-white cinematography outstrips its television origins, adding a layer of professionalism to the short. There's nothing to hate about TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN, and indeed I was left wanting more. As a one-off oddity, it's worth a look to see what happened when the Universal and Hammer styles collided.
Of course, as the running time is so short, things are incredibly fast paced. Within the first five minutes, Frankenstein has already brought his creation to life, as well as having a fight with it and electrocuting it! The story, which was written by famed sci-fi husband-and-wife writing team Henry Kuttner and C. L. Moore, involves a dying man whose wife wishes Frankenstein to sustain him. The baron does, but not in the way they imagined; after some grave-robbing shenanigans later, the monster's back, although this time it inevitably goes after the woman. The climax is action-packed and involves a nice set-piece in a graveyard.
The short running time is also this film's curse. There just isn't enough time to flesh out any of the characters, so they're all as two-dimensional as the creature. I loved the look of the flick, with its spooky props and moonlit settings, but there's a conspicuous absence of gore or surgery – instead the focus is very much on Universal-style creature frolics, with a particular emphasis on the Baron grappling with his creation. As Frankenstein, Anton Diffring is an inspired choice; being German, he's probably the only actor in the role who actually SOUNDS authentic. Diffring had already had quite a career by the time he starred in this, and he makes a good fist of it. If the inspiration behind Diffring's character is clearly Peter Cushing – the two are made up to look the same – then the inspiration for the monster is definitely Boris Karloff. Sadly, the make-up job here is fairly rubbish, as bad as that in THE EVIL OF FRANKENSTEIN, and Don Megowan is never more than a cheap imitator, worse than Glenn Strange! Still, Helen Westcott adds a pretty face and the atmospheric black-and-white cinematography outstrips its television origins, adding a layer of professionalism to the short. There's nothing to hate about TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN, and indeed I was left wanting more. As a one-off oddity, it's worth a look to see what happened when the Universal and Hammer styles collided.
Good Atmospheric Episode
Hitchcoc27 February 2007
A very ill man and his wife approach Baron Frankenstein to help keep the man alive through whatever means. He refuses, fearing that this may be a lot of trouble. It works for him because the man dies in the village and, through a bribe, Frankenstein uses this man's brain and modifies a failed experiment. As is always the case, things don't go so well. The village is always cognizant of what goes on in that house, and this is no exception. What I am most interested in is what the next episode would have produced. What has happened to the "monster," who is now an intellectual, and what will the Baron do for an encore. At one point I noticed for a brief moment, the brides from the Lugosi "Dracula" movie. The laboratory was also, apparently, at least in part a reconstruction of the Karloff films. The print I have is very bold. This must have been a bold venture for the makers of this pilot. I suppose the powers that be just didn't see any heroes in this venue. Most of the fifties was dominated by gunslingers. Maybe James Arness could have reprised his carrot man from the thing and played one of the monsters that Frankenstein produced.
While Searching For The Right Brain, The Creator Of Life Goes One Step Beyond The Grave
StrictlyConfidential21 June 2020
It was a dark, stormy night.... And, as expected, Baron Von Frankenstein (the quintessential mad scientist) was locked away in his lab earnestly working on fine-tuning his fantastic "man-made-monster" project.
And, after giving his beloved creation a couple of extra-strong jolts of electricity - Frankenstein clearly realizes (due to the creature's ultra-aggressive outbursts of anger) that an immediate brain-transplant is in order (as the only possible solution to the problem).
Anyway - For the most part - I not only thought that this 1958 TV production was handled quite proficiently by its director, Curt Siodmak - But, I also found that its cast (especially actor, Don Megowan, as the monster) all put in believably convincing and very satisfactory performances (which was certainly a real plus).
And, after giving his beloved creation a couple of extra-strong jolts of electricity - Frankenstein clearly realizes (due to the creature's ultra-aggressive outbursts of anger) that an immediate brain-transplant is in order (as the only possible solution to the problem).
Anyway - For the most part - I not only thought that this 1958 TV production was handled quite proficiently by its director, Curt Siodmak - But, I also found that its cast (especially actor, Don Megowan, as the monster) all put in believably convincing and very satisfactory performances (which was certainly a real plus).
A Shame This Pilot Was Never Picked Up
Rainey-Dawn2 February 2017
Deeply Gothic atmosphere, well casted (acted out) and a rather interesting story. I wish this one was picked up by any studio and made into a series - even if it was a short lived.
Don Megowan is The Monster. I really enjoyed watching his portrayal - very much like Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr, Glenn Strange and yes even Bela Lugosi. The classic Universal Monster is back in action in this pilot.
If you loved the the older Universal Frankenstein films then this pilot you should enjoy. It's like watching a short 30 minute Universal Monster movie.
Hammer-Universal did it again!! But sadly the TV series was never made.
8/10
Don Megowan is The Monster. I really enjoyed watching his portrayal - very much like Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr, Glenn Strange and yes even Bela Lugosi. The classic Universal Monster is back in action in this pilot.
If you loved the the older Universal Frankenstein films then this pilot you should enjoy. It's like watching a short 30 minute Universal Monster movie.
Hammer-Universal did it again!! But sadly the TV series was never made.
8/10
Hammerversal Horror.
BA_Harrison1 March 2009
Anton Diffring stars as the Baron, an obsessive scientist attempting to create human life, but who keeps failing due to a substandard supply of brains which have been harvested from executed murderers; however, when a terminally ill man and his wife approach the Baron seeking medical help, he at last sees the opportunity to perfect a non-psychotic version of his experiment. All he has to do is wait a few weeks...
A collaboration between Universal and Hammer, this pilot for a TV series that never was condenses all the elements of your average Frankenstein movie into a no-nonsense, half-hour slice of Gothic horror which, given the pedigree of both studios involved, unsurprisingly proves to be an entertaining treat for fans of the classic movie monster and his maker.
Diffring's portrayal of the Baron is sufficiently unemotional and effectively tinged with madness, the Universal-style monster make-up is well realised, and the half-hour format ensures that the action whips along at a brisk enough pace to avoid boredom setting in. Sure, the plot (from classic Universal scribe Curt Siodmak) holds no real surprises, primarily consisting of well-worn ingredients of the genrea creepy lab in a Gothic castle; a drunken grave-digger keen to earn a few extra bob; the hideous and rather unhappy monsterbut it is this very familiarity that makes the whole thing so much fun.
It's a shame that this show wasn't picked up for a whole series; it would have been great to see where they might have gone next.
A collaboration between Universal and Hammer, this pilot for a TV series that never was condenses all the elements of your average Frankenstein movie into a no-nonsense, half-hour slice of Gothic horror which, given the pedigree of both studios involved, unsurprisingly proves to be an entertaining treat for fans of the classic movie monster and his maker.
Diffring's portrayal of the Baron is sufficiently unemotional and effectively tinged with madness, the Universal-style monster make-up is well realised, and the half-hour format ensures that the action whips along at a brisk enough pace to avoid boredom setting in. Sure, the plot (from classic Universal scribe Curt Siodmak) holds no real surprises, primarily consisting of well-worn ingredients of the genrea creepy lab in a Gothic castle; a drunken grave-digger keen to earn a few extra bob; the hideous and rather unhappy monsterbut it is this very familiarity that makes the whole thing so much fun.
It's a shame that this show wasn't picked up for a whole series; it would have been great to see where they might have gone next.
Classic Horror
jacobjohntaylor125 June 2015
Do not think that just because something is old that it can not be scary. This is scarier them most new horror movies. This is the story of how a mad scientist creates a monster out of different corps. This is one of the scariest movie ever. It has a great story line. It also has great acting. It also has great special effects. This movie is very intense. This is a Frankenstein remake. And it is one of the best remake ever. This is based on one of the best horror stories ever told. And it is one of the best horror movies ever. It is a horror movie masterpiece. If you like scary movie then you need to see this movie.I need more line. And I am running out of this to say.
Unsold Hammer TV pilot worth a look for the curious.
youroldpaljim25 May 2002
For years the only thing I knew about TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN was from a still I had seen in "Famous Monsters" magazine. Then a promotional trailer for this film/T.V. pilot turned up in the Zacherle video "Horrible Horror." For years I remained very curious about this film/T.V. pilot, but the damn thing was impossible to see. Then one day a copy of this film turned up on the shelves at my favorite video rental store and I was able to satisfy my curiosity.
In TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN the good Dr. Frankenstein has created a being from bits and pieces of dead bodies stolen from graves. He brings the monster to life but discovers its mind is blank. Dr. Frankenstein decides a living brain is needed and is soon met by a dying man and is told by Dr. Frankenstein he can make him immortal if agrees to allow him to be used in an experiment. The dying man gets more than he bargained for when he wakes up in the horrible disfigured body of Frankenstein's creation.
The monster's make-up in the film resembles the classic Universal monster with puffy cheeks giving the impression it is starting to develop acromegaly. The production values are not up to Hammers usual standards. The films sets look very stagey. Then again, this was a 1958 T.V. show, not a feature film. I have heard conflicting accounts on what this T.V. series was supposed to be. One states its was supposed to be a weekly series with each weeks episode telling the tale of a famous monster (i.e one week Dracula, next week The Mummy etc.) Another account claims each week would be about a different adventure in the life of Dr. Frankenstein. The latter seems unlikely. However, its doubtful either could have resulted in a long running series. The show would have ran out of plots very quickly.
In TALES OF FRANKENSTEIN the good Dr. Frankenstein has created a being from bits and pieces of dead bodies stolen from graves. He brings the monster to life but discovers its mind is blank. Dr. Frankenstein decides a living brain is needed and is soon met by a dying man and is told by Dr. Frankenstein he can make him immortal if agrees to allow him to be used in an experiment. The dying man gets more than he bargained for when he wakes up in the horrible disfigured body of Frankenstein's creation.
The monster's make-up in the film resembles the classic Universal monster with puffy cheeks giving the impression it is starting to develop acromegaly. The production values are not up to Hammers usual standards. The films sets look very stagey. Then again, this was a 1958 T.V. show, not a feature film. I have heard conflicting accounts on what this T.V. series was supposed to be. One states its was supposed to be a weekly series with each weeks episode telling the tale of a famous monster (i.e one week Dracula, next week The Mummy etc.) Another account claims each week would be about a different adventure in the life of Dr. Frankenstein. The latter seems unlikely. However, its doubtful either could have resulted in a long running series. The show would have ran out of plots very quickly.
Good Short
Michael_Elliott17 October 2009
Tales of Frankenstein (1958)
*** (out of 4)
Hammer originally produced this as a TV pilot but when it didn't sell they just threw it into theaters as a short and it turned out to be a pretty good one. Dr. Frankenstein creates a monster but accidentally uses a criminal's brain. He gets a chance to correct the mistake when a man dies after his wife begged the doctor to keep him alive. The doctor decides to put the dead man's brain into the body of the monster. I can understand this thing not selling as a TV pilot because there's really no place to go but as a short the thing is quite the success and in the end turns out to be a rather effective version of the classic tale. What I enjoyed most was the actual monster who had a pretty good look and he's given quite a bit to do. I really enjoyed the first creation scene when the monster attacks Frankenstein only to have some electrical equipment to go crazy and give him a real shock. The stuff at the end, when the dead man remembers who he is, was also very effective. The make up was clearly trying to look like the Karloff version but the large actor and the puffy cheeks makes him look more like Chaney from THE GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN. The performances were good as is the direction so fans of the monster will certainly want to check this out.
*** (out of 4)
Hammer originally produced this as a TV pilot but when it didn't sell they just threw it into theaters as a short and it turned out to be a pretty good one. Dr. Frankenstein creates a monster but accidentally uses a criminal's brain. He gets a chance to correct the mistake when a man dies after his wife begged the doctor to keep him alive. The doctor decides to put the dead man's brain into the body of the monster. I can understand this thing not selling as a TV pilot because there's really no place to go but as a short the thing is quite the success and in the end turns out to be a rather effective version of the classic tale. What I enjoyed most was the actual monster who had a pretty good look and he's given quite a bit to do. I really enjoyed the first creation scene when the monster attacks Frankenstein only to have some electrical equipment to go crazy and give him a real shock. The stuff at the end, when the dead man remembers who he is, was also very effective. The make up was clearly trying to look like the Karloff version but the large actor and the puffy cheeks makes him look more like Chaney from THE GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN. The performances were good as is the direction so fans of the monster will certainly want to check this out.
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