Monster Review of 4 Universal Monster Mashes of the 1940s

Woohoo, here it is! This whole thing was at least four times more complicated to write, film, and edit than usual, so I really hope you enjoy it, wacky no-budget costume changes and all!
Films reviewed:
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1942)
House of Frankenstein (1944)
House of Dracula (1945)
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
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[@swissarmytenor]

Favorite moment from "Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man" is Talbot's facial expression when the festival of the new wine singer sings the line, "And may they live eternally!" Fa Ro La, Fa Ro Lee! :) Also have a soft spot for "House of Dracula' due to the performance of Onslow Stevens, which I thought was marvelous.

[@michaelpippa1540]

So, driving home today with jenny, listening to this review. You said this was a family favorite. I paused it, told Jenny it was for me too growing up. I told her my favorite scene was when Lon Chaney tells Costello When the Moon is up I turn into a wolf, and Costello says you and 20 million other guys and Chaney goes ballistic. Then I keep watching the review, and Lo and Behold, you showed that clip!!! Thanks!

[@Weiselberry]

Ha, that's so funny! :D

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

The monster mash series do tend to blur together for me. "Abbot and Costello" is such a fun film...and that stunt at the end where the Frankenstein monster picks up the doctor and throws her out the window and she bounces over the awning and off into space...always impresses.

[@pamelahall517]

We watched all these movies but what made us love those monsters was Abbot and Costello's meeting them! We even had life size cardboard monsters my dad put backward suitcoats on to make them look real. He moved them around in our basement to scare my mom who would forget they where there when she did the laundry. Old monster movies. were fun scary without all the blood and core of later horror movies.

[@Weiselberry]

Ha! :D That sounds like something my mom would have done to us when we were little. And really, if we had monster cardboard cutouts around, I bet she would STILL do it!

[@princeeverlove]

I have never seen you look better!-Your face glows as you review these Classic Universal Movies! Your Cosplay idea was brilliant-I LOVE seeing you get so involved with the Reviews!😄 I wish you did more of that!😄

[@DetectiveKemper]

Regarding Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein, the castle set took up two soundstages, with the fire doors open. It was built as one complete set, inside and out. It was three stories high, including a pool for the "broom closet" dock portion. A very impressive set.

[@davidskidmore4189]

Just started watching some of your reviews. Fab!!!! You had some similar tastes to mine when I was young. I love Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein, and as to watching to see if the monsters ever almost laugh, there used to be some outtakes on KZbin where you could see the scene where Costello is sitting in the Monsters lap and becoming confused by the number of hands present. They have to do it again and again, because Glenn Strange can't stop laughing!! It is hilarious to watch Frankenstein's monster collapse in hysterics.

[@bobrottman3445]

You’re adorable…👍Great reviews on my favorite monster movies of all time. You “hit the nail on the head” on all 4 movies. Great job!…really enjoyed your reviews…and costumes as well. 😀

[@stewartkee6115]

Great reviews. I've read Lugoses biography and the reason he played the monster the way he did was because he was originally meant to be Igor. He walked with his arms stiff and outright because he was still blind. He even had diologue which would have explained this. But universal changed there mind and had the diologue track removed.

[@Barnabas45]

Thank you, I was about to post these corrections myself.

[@monstermoviehouse4422]

Costumes are great! Glad to see you included my favorite line from A&C, "You and 20 million other guys." Fun reviews with nice still and clips. Bravo!

[@anthonycrnkovich5241]

Enjoyable review! What always bothered me about HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN is that the beginning Dracula segment is like a mini-movie that has nothing to do with what follows. The underrated HOUSE OF DRACULA is more cohesive and has a better storyline. Dracula doesn't really want to be cured; it's just a ploy to get Milizia and Edelmann under his power. On the other hand, Larry Talbot DOES want to be cured, making for an interesting dichotomy. ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN is my favorite Universal monster mash -- Bela Lugosi is back where he belongs as Dracula, Glenn Strange gives his best turn as the Monster and Lon Chaney still doesn't miss a beat as the doomed Larry Talbot. Because it lacks Dracula, FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN doesn't really play like a full-fledged monster mash IMO. That said, FMTWM is among the Universals I revisit most often. Lon Chaney and Maria Ouspenskaya are wonderful, and I'm ok with Bela Lugosi's cadaver-like stint as the Monster.

[@Blutszauger]

These reviews are great. It's always wonderful when a young person can watch these movies within the context of their time and appreciate their craft, atmosphere and subtlety. I discovered them as a young man in the 80s myself. Have you considered reviewing other non-monster Universal titles like OLD DARK HOUSE, THE BLACK CAT, or THE RAVEN? Also, there are outtakes from A&C MEET FRANKENSTEIN on KZbin. The scene with Wilbur sitting on the monster's lap had Glenn Strange breaking character. I mean, who wouldn't around a guy like Costello?

[@Weiselberry]

Thanks! I've got an apparently never-ending list of films I'd like to talk about, either in solo reviews or as part of a group; while I don't currently have any specific plans regarding the films you mentioned, they could come up sometime. I've seen The Old Dark House once and The Black Cat twice. I assume you're referring to the 1934 Karloff/Lugosi film? I really liked that one. I loved the art deco set design, and it was great to see Lugosi in such a pleasant role. I don't think I've seen The Raven yet.

[@jamesmarshall8836]

When you mentioned FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN you neglected to cite the great song played during the festival of the new wine, FARO-LA, FARO-LI. I believe it was nominated for an Oscar.

[@chrisdigitalartist]

Okay. So Frankenstein VS. The Wolfman. It does feel more like The Wolfman sequal more than the 5th film of Frankenstein. Bela Lugosi's monster performance was...okay...he may be my least favorite actor to portray him though. Lon Chaney Jr. Always stays consistent with his Lawrence Talbot character (in all of these movies you mentioned) - I just love the character. I guess have sympathy for him. Such a sad character. House of Frankenstein/House of Dracula were okay. I may need to re-watch them again. Actually, I just did a few days ago Haha...I guess they don't leave that big of impression but fun as always. Of course, Abbot and Costello meet Frankenstein is the BEST mash up - so fun! Awesome to see Bela Lugosi back and does a great job. Amazing to think he only played Dracula twice! Glenn Strange is a great as the monster. I think he is my 2nd favorite to play the Monster. Too bad they couldn't get Boris Karloff though - that would have been awesome! I love these reviews . =)

[@Weiselberry]

Yeah, I have trouble keeping House of Frankenstein and House of Dracula straight, especially now that a couple years have gone by since I made this video. They're definitely not as strong as what came before. Still fun though. I'm glad you finally got a chance to get through the whole cycle. Sounds like you enjoyed it. :)

[@chrisdigitalartist]

@@Weiselberry I agree! Yes, I enjoy them all. Thank you!

[@ChristopherElli-cc1ly]

"She a nice girl and i like her style. But she a Hunchback!" The Dickies. Dracula is just an old gent out for A Night at the Opera. Yeah, Lon Chaney Jr is perfect as Larry Talbot. The most sympathetic character in a horror. A & C meet Franky scared the hell outta me as a kid. The final battle is great. Bud & Lou no matter where they turn, they are between a monster. Just great.

[@richardranke3158]

One review of Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein said,"The plot involves the intended transfer of a brain. Never mind who's brain is intended for which monster. It's the only indication that any brains are involved in this movie."

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

I think the idea was that since the Monster of Frankenstein had Igor's brain, this Monster of Frankenstein was blind, too.

[@unclemarty7321]

Uncle Marty is a big fan of these flicks.. Glad I stumbled on this!

[@louisborselio8608]

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is the best of all the monster mashups.

[@brianmark3088]

This is my favorite of your Universal monster review videos. You look good in costume. What horror costume have you worn on Halloween? Have you ever seen Dark Shadows the 1960s horror soap opera or the 1990 series remake? You should review them.

[@jorgelopez-pr6dr]

Morals in the movie Frankenstein meets the Wolfman: do not trust doctors; they love monsters!

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

J. Carroll Naish was an Irish American who like another Irish (and Mexican) American, Anthony Quinn, he played a UN of characters. The actress playing the Rom lady (Elena Verdugo) went on to play Consuela Lopez, RN on Marcus Welby, M.D.

[@billythealiensmiller]

The Mummy had a higher class of henchmen. True, Renfield was a respected real Estate clerk but when he became Dracula's servant, he was a creeping, sniveling low life bug eater. And Igor (Ygor) was complete scum from the get-go. The Mummy had royal blooded priests in his employ. Yes, when it comes to swarthy knife or gun wielding fanatics, accept NO substitute for Turhan Bey ! My favorite of the Frankenstein series, by the way, is "Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman". I rate it even higher than "Frankenstein 1" and "Bride".

[@Godzilla-tu2cd]

Man they should called this the Frankenstein vs series but they're still fun great video as always Jerome

[@Godzilla-tu2cd]

@Giovanni Angel yeah no I'm not giving them my card information pass

[@stevendunn264]

Love the costumes.

[@TedNewsom]

Marvelously written, perfectly performed.

[@nooctip]

Oh they cracked up. Glenn Strange had real problems with the Lou sits on his lap scene. They just didn't put it in the movie. The only one who tried to keep it straight was Bella. To keep things light on the set Lou had a fellow comedian hang around an do things. One was during Dracula's big entrance as Dr. Laos the comedian followed Bella down the stairs wearing a cape. Bella complained they shouldn't be joking around so much.

[@jorgelopez-pr6dr]

Excellent! But you forgot to mention the musical scores , which were very important in these cycles (Frankenstein and the Wolfman,The House of Frankenstein), with their ' scare', ' chase ' and Gypsy motivs (Waxman)? I expect you will also make reviews of the Hammer horror cycle.Please! Oh, your costume reminds me of Lionel Atwill's mad doctor character in that movie with Lon Chaney Jr. in which transforms him into a electrical monster ( I don't remember the name).You are great as usual!

[@Weiselberry]

Glad you enjoyed it! The jury's still out on if/when/how I might cover Hammer horror. But I'm thinking about it. :)

[@herbertkeithmiller]

I don't kow you can look so good in those ridiculous sunglasses but you do.

[@MarkAS56]

Before I listen to what you say about A&C Meet... I absolutely love it. The best A&C and one of my favorite comedies of all time. Yet what helps it work so well is that the monsters themselves are still played straight, right out of their own films, and it meshes wonderfully. On a related note, i like ...Meet the Mummy a lot too. Not on the level of this one but it seems to get more crap than I think it deserves.

[@skullface2694]

House of Frankenstein is my favorite... the scene where the guy whips the gypsy and then gets choked out by the hunchback is awesome..

[@josephmayo3253]

Love the outfits, especially the mad scientist. The House movies are definitely the weakest in the monster cycle. Lon Jr. is the only thing in them that I like.

[@d.s.archer5903]

You look so CUTE in your Mad Doctor costume :)

[@ricthomas9788]

Jerome. Love your show. The cute hunchback nurse is very clever. The Doctor hands her a sample of Dracula’s blood 🩸 and tells her to make an antitoxin for this! Yup. That’s all she has to do. Let’s see. The doctor TOOK the blood sample. Hands it to the nurse so SHE can whip up the antitoxin. Not a problem for her. Also the bad side of the doctor has a dream nightmare and the hunch is no longer on her back. Hmmm?

[@louisborselio8608]

Actually Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman is a combo sequel to The Wolfman AND The Ghost of Frankenstein.

[@perrymalcolm3802]

You and 40 million other guys! Bahahaha🤣🤣🤣 Definitely one of my all time faves!! I loved the ending with the wolf man n the bat 🦇

[@mountainsoutofmolehills8352]

please don't remove my brain, dr. frankenberry!

[@winterburden]

I like your costumes! 😃

[@patrickrossetti5685]

Great review 👍!!

[@Weiselberry]

Thanks! :)

[@MarkAS56]

I'm do happy you mentioned the Nina character, agree wholeheartedly. I would personally love if you would end up covering Hammer horrow now that you've done Universal.

[@kevint5451]

Darn you love it don't ya? Frankenstein meets the Wolfman was the best, especially in the first part of the movie and I wish the series had kept that level of atmosphere.

[@paulwhiston1836]

You should check out "Frankenstein 1970" a 50s film set in the 70s which is largely terrible but Boris Karloff finally gets to play Dr Frankenstein

[@Weiselberry]

"Largely terrible"--I appreciate your honesty, hahaha.

[@stevendunn264]

Universal does it best but these are pretty good.

[@Haplo699g]

If you're in mood for more Universal Monster team ups, check out Monster Squad. It's an eighties movie which really does the monsters right! It's not too bloody or gross either.

[@Weiselberry]

I watched The Monster Squad for the first time last year and enjoyed it quite a bit. So much, in fact, that when I noticed it show up on Prime again recently I decided to rewatch it! Here's a link where I did a mini review of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l36qpHePmrCnhNU

[@glennhendrickson7993]

Yea monster squad is a fun watch

[@fanboy2015]

Lugosi played the monster walking with his arms extended because he’s supposed to be blind, as that’s what happened to him at the end of Ghost

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

@JeromeWeiselberry >>> Great video...👍

[@taanbrown4275]

funny! love the outfits

[@chrisdigitalartist]

New Subscriber here! I just stumbled on this video! I like your reviews on these. I've seen a couple you mentioned. Of Course, Abbot and Costello Meets Frankenstein is such a classic horror comedy! I also like Abbot and Costello Meets The Mummy.

[@Weiselberry]

Thank you! :)

[@chrisdigitalartist]

You're welcome! =)

[@clydedisney6569]

I love alll of the the Universal. Monsters. When I was a kid my favorite magazine was 'Famous Monsters of Filmland' I was a 5th grade monster film expert.As you can imagine, evetbody thought I was weird with a capital W! Looking back on the films...I do think that Larry Talbot was really a wimp. The last time I watcher the films, I could barely stand all his whining lol...but still I pull them out every October, but it gets harder and harder to find anybody to watch them with me!

[@leroykevin]

Originally Lou did not want to do A&C Meet Frankenstein, he said that his daughter "could write better crap than this!"

[@jorgelopez-pr6dr]

Why they didn't made a full movie with the Three Stooges ? It would be called The Three Stooges versus the Monsters. Can you image the wolfman getting poked in the eyes and Frankenstein's monster being thrown a pie in his face? And Curly "barking" at Bela? It would be hilarious.Only wishful thinking...

[@louisborselio8608]

They'd would have to create their own versions of the Monsters. The Three Stooges worked at Columbia Pictures.

[@RSEFX]

Wasn't Frankenstein's monster left blind at the end of Ghost of Frankenstein and/or Frankenstein v the Wolfman?---maybe that's why Glen Strange kept his eyes shut through a lot of the A&C film. ?. (I haven't seen the HOUSE films in decades, so don't know if he did the same thing in those.)

[@Weiselberry]

I admit I have trouble keeping track of the endings now, but I think you're right. That said, I'm pretty sure he can see in the two House films, although with those heavy lids, it's hard to tell when his eyes are open...

[@d.s.archer5903]

Of the two “House” movies, House of Dracula is the weaker entry - which is not saying much for House of Frankenstein. BTW, BOTH films end on an abrupt note. “That’s IT?!?!”

[@jorgelopez-pr6dr]

D.S. Archer Although various new characters had chances of development Dr. Edelmann, Stheimhul, Dr. Neumann,even Dr. Mannering), but the plot focuses more in Talbot and Dracula.

[@antiWhiteism777]

Why doesn't the wolfman just get himself arrested before the full moon? Sleep it off in the drunk tank.

[@Danazawa]

When you were wearing your A&C meet Frankenstein costume you looked more like a mental patient dressed for the opera.

[@jorgelopez-pr6dr]

I think Glenn Strange would have made a better work as the monster in Frankenstein meets the Wolfman than Lugosi, with all due respect to Bela. Ok, Dr. Niemann was mad enough, but Dr. Praetorius was madder.

[@bartondonnelly5293]

The reason why they had Lugosi play the monster was because he (the monster) had dialogue in the voice of Igor (left over from the end of ‘Ghost of’. They felt that having Lugosi play the monster with Igor’s voice was the logical choice. Well, test audiences LAUGHED at his speaking scenes, so they cut all his dialogue scenes out. Unfortunately no one seems to have any surviving clips of them. We can only go by the script.

[@fdsuperstar2547]

How about a review of Mad Monster Party?

[@Dr5ives]

Hello Jerome, someone posted bloopers from "A & C meet Frankenstein" the sound and picture are a bit rough on these clips. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX7am52KpLVogNE that's it D

[@johnlamorges4432]

Could you please get me off this channel!

[@leonardvicari2857]

The Wolfman is my favorite how about Boris Karloff in the mummy

[@paulwhiston1836]

Theres also this film thats worth checking out starring Ron Chaney en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_the_Wolf_Man

[@ThunderingJove]

Thanks for the review.