Bride of Frankenstein at 90: How This Horror Sequel Changed the Movie Industry Forever

It’s been 90 years since the release of Bride of Frankenstein, and we can’t help but wonder, where would the world of cinema be without this iconic horror sequel? From the first sparks of electricity that brought the Creature to life, to the chilling screams of the Bride, this film has become a timeless classic that has shaped the way we view sequels in the movie industry.

When Henry Frankenstein flipped the switch and harnessed the power of lightning to conduct his infamous experiment in the 1931 horror classic, he not only brought his monster to life, but also set the stage for one of the first major movie sequels. Bride of Frankenstein, originally released on April 20, 1935, continued the story of Frankenstein in a way that captivated audiences and left them wanting more. And once the sequel was alive, it was hard to stop, just like the Creature himself.

Of course, Bride of Frankenstein was not the first movie sequel. The Fall of a Nation, a now-lost follow-up to D. W. Griffith’s influential and infamous silent film, The Birth of a Nation, hit theaters almost two decades earlier, in 1916. And there were some other sequels in the ’20s, like 1925’s Don Q Son of Zorro, which was Douglas Fairbanks’ second take on the swashbuckling hero, five years after The Mark of Zorro. But it’s Bride of Frankenstein that has truly stood the test of time and remains relevant to this day. And it’s not just because it’s a sequel, but also because it’s a horror masterpiece.

Bride of Frankenstein may not be the first horror sequel, as that title belongs to the 1915 German film, The Golem, which just so happens to be about a hulking figure that’s brought to life. But Bride of Frankenstein is undoubtedly the earliest sequel that still holds significance in the industry and among fans. Its impact can be seen in the countless horror sequels that have followed in its footsteps, from the Halloween franchise to A Nightmare on Elm Street and beyond. And it’s not just horror films that have been influenced by this masterpiece, but sequels in general. The success of Bride of Frankenstein paved the way for other franchises to continue their stories and expand their universes, something that is now a common practice in the movie industry.

But what makes Bride of Frankenstein a true masterpiece? It’s not just the iconic characters and chilling atmosphere, but also its themes of acceptance, loneliness, and the dangers of playing God. It’s a film that resonates with audiences even 90 years later, and that is a testament to its enduring impact. And let’s not forget the incredible performances by Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester, who brought these iconic characters to life in a way that has not been replicated since.

As we celebrate the 90th anniversary of Bride of Frankenstein, it’s clear that this film has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. It’s a reminder that sequels can be just as successful and impactful as their predecessors, and that sometimes, they can even surpass them. So here’s to Bride of Frankenstein, the film that proved that sequels were not just alive, but thriving.