Theatre Committee invites the community to a free showing of the 1931 film Frankenstein starring Boris Karloff. Frankenstein premiered on November 21st, 1931, and Universal Studio had a bona fide hit on their hands. Come experience the terror of this classic story and get ready for auditions at the same time. The film begins at 7:30pm, but come early to find out about auditions on September 12 and 13 for SAAC’s fall production of Frankenstein. Director Del Gates and Assistant Director Gary Hall will be on hand to talk with anyone interested in auditioning.
Film Viewing on Friday, September 9
6:30pm – Meet the Director in the Lobby
7:30pm – Frankenstein in the Callaway Theatre
Runtime: 71 min
Release Year: 1931
Director: James Whale
Cast: Colin Clive, Boris Karloff, Mae Clarke, John Boles, Edward Van Sloan, Dwight Frye
Synopsis: Still regarded as the definitive film version of Mary Shelley’s classic tale of tragedy and horror, Frankenstein made unknown character actor Boris Karloff a star and created a new icon of terror. Along with the highly successful Dracula, released earlier the same year, it launched Universal Studio’s golden age of 1930s horror movies. The film’s greatness stems less from its script than from the stark but moody atmosphere created by director James Whale; Herman Rosse’s memorable set designs, particularly the fantastic watchtower laboratory, featuring electrical equipment designed by Kenneth Strickfaden; the creature’s trademark look from makeup artist Jack Pierce, who required Karloff to don pounds of makeup and heavy asphalt shoes to create the monster’s unique lurching gait; and Karloff’s nuanced performance as the tormented and bewildered creature. Frankenstein was greeted with screams, moans, and fainting spells upon its initial release, obliging Universal to add a disclaimer in which Edward Van Sloan advised the faint of heart to leave the theater immediately. If they didn’t: “Well…we’ve warned you.” Director James Whale was memorably embodied by Ian McKellen in the Oscar-winning 1998 biopic Gods and Monsters. Author: Hal Erickson