Frankenstein

Frankenstein

Year: 1931

Runtime: 1 h 10 m

Language: English

Director: James Whale

DramaHorrorSci-FiThriller

Driven by an insatiable ambition, a brilliant but tormented scientist attempts to cheat death by creating a creature from various body parts. His creation, a grotesque figure, is brought to life but quickly becomes a source of horror and regret as it escapes its creator and seeks revenge for its abandonment.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Frankenstein (1931)

Trace every key event in Frankenstein (1931) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Dr. Frankenstein's Ambitious Experiment

Dr. Henry Frankenstein, played by Colin Clive, embarks on a radical experiment to create a being in his own image. He aims to utilize the remains of a deceased individual, showcasing his obsession with reanimation and the defiance of natural laws.

2

Exhumation of the Corpse

Along with his assistant Fritz, Dr. Frankenstein exhumes a recently buried corpse to use its parts for his experiment. This act highlights their willingness to cross moral boundaries in the pursuit of scientific advancement.

3

Acquisition of a Brain

When they discover that the corpse's head and brain are damaged, Dr. Frankenstein decides to secure a new brain from his former mentor. This pivotal moment is marked by the accidental selection of an 'abnormal' brain instead of a 'normal' one due to Fritz's blunder.

4

Reanimation of the Creature

Using a mysterious ray invented by himself, Dr. Frankenstein succeeds in reanimating the creature during a fierce thunderstorm. This intense moment marks the birth of Frankenstein’s monstrous creation, portrayed by Boris Karloff.

5

Realization of the Monster's Nature

As the reality of his actions dawns on Dr. Frankenstein, he begins to comprehend the dangerous implications of his creation. The monster's inherent malevolence becomes evident when it is confined and later antagonized by Fritz.

6

Fritz's Death

After enduring relentless torment from Fritz, the creature ultimately retaliates in a fit of rage. This confrontation leads to Fritz's tragic death, revealing the monster's capacity for violence and the consequences of its mistreatment.

7

Encounter with the Young Girl

The monster escapes and stumbles upon a young girl playing by the water's edge. Their innocent interaction takes a dark turn when the creature, misunderstanding the game, throws the girl into the water, leading to a horrific accident.

by the water
8

Father's Grief and Townspeople's Anger

The father of the drowned girl carries her lifeless body through the streets, stirring deep sorrow in the community. This event incites outrage among the townspeople, who demand retribution against the creature for the tragedy.

9

Flight to the Windmill

In a desperate attempt to escape the villagers' wrath, the rampaging monster seeks refuge in an old windmill. His actions reflect a mixture of fear and instinct for survival, even as he becomes the target of an angry mob.

old windmill
10

Confrontation with Dr. Frankenstein

Inside the windmill, the creature takes Dr. Frankenstein captive, leading to a tense confrontation between creator and creation. This climactic moment underscores the complex relationship and the consequences of playing god.

old windmill
11

Dr. Frankenstein's Near Fatal Fall

During the confrontation, the monster hurls Dr. Frankenstein from the height of the windmill. Fortunately, he survives the fall by landing on one of the windmill's blades, which adds a moment of suspense to the already intense scenario.

old windmill
12

The Villagers' Fury

Enraged by the violence and loss, the townsfolk decide to take matters into their own hands by setting the windmill ablaze. This act of collective rage underscores the dark consequences of fear and misunderstanding, ultimately sealing the creature's fate.

old windmill
13

Destruction of the Windmill

As the fire consumes the windmill, the creature is trapped inside, struggling against the collapsing structure. This moment signifies the tragic end of the creation's existence and serves as a metaphor for the deadly consequences of unchecked ambition.

old windmill

Last Updated: October 24, 2024 at 09:23

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Frankenstein Summary

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Frankenstein Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Frankenstein

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Frankenstein

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