ExhibitionTransformation of a Monster
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- Poster for Frankenstein, 1931
Poster for Frankenstein, 1931
Courtesy Universal Studios Licensing LLC
The Universal film introduces a plot device of using a criminal brain rather than a normal brain to explain the monster’s urge to kill.
- Jack Pierce applies make up to Boris Karloff for Son of Frankenstein, ca. 1939
Jack Pierce applies make up to Boris Karloff for Son of Frankenstein, ca. 1939
Courtesy Universal Studios Licensing LLC
The enduring visual impact of the Frankenstein film monster of the 1930s owed much to the skill of make-up artist Jack Pierce, who transformed Boris Karloff into a creature who would be recognized around the world.
- Boris Karloff as the Monster in Frankenstein, 1931
Boris Karloff as the Monster in Frankenstein, 1931
Courtesy Universal Studios Licensing LLC
Boris Karloff’s moving portrayal of the speechless creature, and the enduring image of the monster with his flattened head, surgical scars, and neck bolts, deeply affected audiences.
- Boris Karloff as the Monster in Frankenstein, 1931
Boris Karloff as the Monster in Frankenstein, 1931
Courtesy Universal Studios Licensing LLC
Universal Pictures released a film version of Frankenstein featuring Boris Karloff, a little-known English actor, as the monster in 1931.
![Red, black, and yellow advertisement containing names and drawings of headlining actors in costume. <a href='carousel61.html'>1. Poster for <em>Frankenstein</em>, 1931 </a><h4>Poster for <em>Frankenstein</em>, 1931</h4>
<h5>Courtesy Universal Studios Licensing LLC</h5><p>The Universal film introduces a plot device of using a criminal brain rather than a normal brain to explain the monster’s urge to kill.</p>](img/ex-carousel-6a_OB8061.jpg)
![Person applies prosthetic monster makeup to an actor's head and neck. <a href='carousel64.html'>4. Jack Pierce applies make up to Boris Karloff for <em>Son of Frankenstein</em>, ca. 1939</a><h4>Jack Pierce applies make up to Boris Karloff for <em>Son of Frankenstein</em>, ca. 1939</h4>
<h5>Courtesy Universal Studios Licensing LLC</h5><p>The enduring visual impact of the <em>Frankenstein</em> film monster of the 1930s owed much to the skill of make-up artist Jack Pierce, who transformed Boris Karloff into a creature who would be recognized around the world.</p>](img/ex-carousel-6d_OB10665.jpg)
![Head and claw-like hand of an actor in monster makeup, coming out of the shadows. <a href='carousel63.html'>3. Boris Karloff as the Monster in <em>Frankenstein</em>, 1931</a><h4>Boris Karloff as the Monster in <em>Frankenstein</em>, 1931</h4>
<h5>Courtesy Universal Studios Licensing LLC</h5><p>Boris Karloff’s moving portrayal of the speechless creature, and the enduring image of the monster with his flattened head, surgical scars, and neck bolts, deeply affected audiences.</p>](img/ex-carousel-6c_OB10419.jpg)
![Actor in monster costume, standing in doorway of a room with stone walls and an open, barred door. <a href='carousel62.html'>2. Boris Karloff as the Monster in <em>Frankenstein</em>, 1931</a><h4>Boris Karloff as the Monster in <em>Frankenstein</em>, 1931</h4>
<h5>Courtesy Universal Studios Licensing LLC</h5><p>Universal Pictures released a film version of <em>Frankenstein</em> featuring Boris Karloff, a little-known English actor, as the monster in 1931.</p>](img/ex-carousel-6b_OB8048.jpg)