**_Hammer’s only Frankenstein flick without Peter Cushing_**

There were seven Frankenstein films from Hammer between 1957-1973: "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957), "The Revenge of Frankenstein" (1958), "The Evil of Frankenstein" (1964), "Frankenstein Created Woman" (1967), "Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed" (1969), "The Horror of Frankenstein" (1970) and "Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell" (1973).

Cushing played the Baron in every one of these except this one, "The Horror of Frankenstein," since it’s a remake of the original story and they needed a much younger actor for the role. They chose Ralph Bates, who superbly played the love-to-hate satanist in "Taste the Blood of Dracula," released 5 months earlier.

Bates’ nonchalant performance is amusing and one of the highlights, as are the beautiful Kate O'Mara (Alys) and Veronica Carlson (Elizabeth). While the proceedings are serious, there’s a welcome touch of humor in the manner of “Scars of Dracula,” which came out a month later. The buff look of the monster is unique in the series and sorta reminiscent of the creature in “Lady Frankenstein,” which debuted the next year, albeit not quite as grotesque.

Being a redo of the original Frankenstein story, it’s predictable and arguably not as good as the previous two entries with Cushing, "Frankenstein Created Woman" and, especially, the great "Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed." It’s more entertaining than the ensuing "Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell" though, Hammer’s final stab at Mary Shelley’s iconic concept.

Another issue is how the indoor sets substituting for the outdoors are too obvious. Still, this is a solid, one-of-a-kind installment. People tend to overlook it because of the absence of Cushing.

The movie runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot at Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, just northwest of London. The funeral was shot at nearby St Mary's Church in North Mymms.

GRADE: B-/B (6.5/10)