The most obvious starting point for the praise is Peter Cushing. Always a brilliant and fascinating film actor, possibly Britain's finest, he build here on all of his previous characterisations, to the logical conclusion of the Baron finally becoming the monster. The ruthlessness in Cushing's portrayal is never less than convincing, and utterly terrifying, and it is a great shame that he was never recognised by any awards. The infamous rape scene still has disturbing power that informs the character rather than providing cheap titillation, as would happen in the sadly awful Horror of Frankenstein.

This holds true for Veronica Carlson. Though undeniable beautiful, she is not there for appear naked like later leading ladies, her acting is excellent, especially in scenes with Simon Ward. Also worthy of praise is Freddie Jones, his final transformation is again entirely convincing, and by the end you realise how difficult the job of acting a man who's had a brain transplant.

However, this is Cushing's film, a fitting epitaph to his ability, and to Hammer's once unsurpassable prowess. The only disappointment being the lurid title, which the DVD can obviously do nothing about, and the fact that there are no extras, this is still a worthwhile purchase.

The best of the best !
Review date: 2004-07-01 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is without doubt the best of the Hammer Frankenstein films, aptly illustrating all that was best about Hammer Films in their heyday. After all these years it has lost none of it's impact and from the opening scene, will take you on a rollacoaster ride guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat! Superb performances from Peter Cushing, Freddie Jones, Veronica Carlson and the rest of the cast - plus the genius of director Terence Fisher behind the camera!
If you have never seen this film then get it and see what Hammer Films were capable of in their prime; if you own it on video then get the DVD for the superb picture/sound quality.
Tremendous!

stylish Hammer offering.
Review date: 2003-12-16 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is markedly different to the others in Hammer's Frankenstein series. We all know that the Baron is a man who has become dehumanised by his obsession with his science, but nowhere is he shown to be so callous and evil as he is here. From his spectacular first appearance in this film, tearing off a Hallowe'en-style face-mask, Cushing plays him with immense energy and commitment. There are many dark touches to this film. The Baron sets up a new laboratory in the basement of his landlady's house by blackmailing her and her lover with their cocaine addiction. He also insists she boots out all her other lodgers, and from then on he has the privacy he needs to carry out his dastardly experiments. This is a very downbeat film in many ways, it doesn't have the pantomime touches you get in the others in the series. Nonetheless the story is quite complex and intelligent, and although it's not one of my own personal favourites of the Hammer canon, it is one of the best made.

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