Frankenstein

What place does the Frankenstein character have in popular

culture?

Where have we seen the Frankenstein character in popular culture?• Movies?• Cartoons?• Advertisements?• Television?• Toys?

Take a few minutes and discuss this idea with those around you…

The rise of Frankenstein

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, by Mary Shelley, was first published in 1818 in London

Critical reception to the novel was low, but the novel was an immediate popular success

By 1823, the book had already been interpreted as a play - Presumption; or The Fate of Frankenstein, by Richard Brinsley Peake

Many theatrical renditions followed throughout the 19th century

1910 - The first film adaptation of the tale was done by Edison Studios. The 16 minute silent film was thought to be lost until it was

rediscovered in 1980.

1931 – The most famous of the film versions of Frankenstein was produced by Universal

Studios. Boris Karloff starred as the monster.

1948 – Universal Pictures produced a total of eight Frankenstein-based films, culminating in the comedy, Abbott and

Costello Meet Frankenstein

1966 – Filmic adaptations continue to spiral away from Mary Shelley’s original text. In this

sci-fi/western/horror B-movie from 1966, the legendary American outlaw, Jesse James, goes

against the monster in Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter.

More Variations…

Frankenstein as superhero, in the DC

comic book series

The video game, Fable II, contains a quest where a

character named Victor is on a quest to reanimate the body of

a dead woman.

And more…

Frankenstein, as celebrity spokesman?

As political activist?

Now to find out how it all started…

For homework: Read Letters 1-4 and Chapter one of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Left: Steel engraving for frontispiece to the revised edition of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley in 1831.