Bride of the Monster (Full Screen)

Legend Films presents "BRIDE OF THE MONSTER" (11 May 1955) (68 mins) (Fully Restored/Dolby Digitally Remastered) --- now in COLOR and Glorious Black and White --- Dr. Eric Varnoff (Bela Lugosi) captures twelve men for his experiment: to turn them into supermen using atomic energy. Newspaperwoman Lawton gets too snoopy for her own good --- If you do not know Ed Wood then this movie will have little meaning to you --- So the first thing you have to do is learn about the life of Ed Wood --- He is one of the worst directors of all time, but also one of the most colorful. Bride of the monster is a good example of his ability to make the most out of his scarce resources --- You'll love it or you'll hate it -- Have fun!

Under the production staff of:
Edward D. Wood, Jr. - Director / Producer / Screenwriter
Alex Gordon - Screenwriter
Ted Allan - Cinematographer
William C. Thompson - Cinematographer
Frank Worth - Composer (Music Score)
Warren Adams - Editor
Tony McCoy - Associate Producer
Pat Dinga - Special Effects
William L. Nolte - First Assistant Director
Jane Huizenga - Production Director
David D. Martin - Technical Director

Story line and plot, Many person are vanishing in the Lake Marsh, nearby an old mansion recently bought by Dr. Eric Vornoff (Bela Lugosi) --- He lives with Lobo (Tor Johnson) and has an octopus in the lake, product of his experiment in developing somehow atomic energy --- Janet Lawton (Loretta King), a reporter of a tabloid, decides to investigate further the disappearance of locals and is abducted by Dr. Vornoff --- Her fiancée, Lt. Dick Craig (Tony McCoy), together with the police force, goes to the old house looking for Janet. This story, expected to be a horror movie, is indeed a funny entertainment due to the lack of talent of Ed Wood --- When we watch an Ed Wood's film, we know that it will be a movie full of flaws --- But why do we like him so much? --- Could it be since Tim Burton promoted this director, he became a cult personality --- There are unbelievable mistakes in framing and edition, such as, for example, about 36 minutes running time, we can see the microphone over the heads of Janet and Dr. Vornoff --- The performance of the cast is so ridiculous that becomes really funny --- The motionless octopus in the `lake' is also funny. And what about the screenplay, a kind of Frankenstein meeting the Loch Ness monster, with hilarious dialogs? --- This film is a great entertainment vehicle, especially since it has been colorized by Legend Films.

the cast includes:
Bela Lugosi ... Dr. Eric Vornoff
Tor Johnson ... Lobo
Tony McCoy ... Lt. Dick Craig
Loretta King ... Janet Lawton
Harvey B. Dunn ... Capt. Tom Robbins
George Becwar ... Prof. Vladimir Strowski
Paul Marco ... Officer Kelton
Don Nagel ... Det. Marty Martin
Bud Osborne ... Lafe 'Mac' McCrea
John Warren ... Jake Sloane
Ann Wilner ... Tillie
Dolores Fuller ... Margie
William 'Billy' Benedict ... Newsboy (as William Benedict)
Ben Frommer ... Drunk

BIOS
1. Bela Lugosi
Date of Birth: 20 October 1882 - Lugos, Austria-Hungary. [now Lugoj, Romania]
Date of Death:16 August 1956 - Los Angeles, California,

2. Tor Johnson
Date of Birth: 19 October 1903 - Sweden
Date of Death: 12 May 1971 - San Fernando, California

3. Edward D. Wood Jr. (Director)
Date of Birth: 10 October 1924 - Poughkeepsie, New York
Date of Death: 10 December 1978 - North Hollywood, California

SPECIAL FEATURES:
1. Rare interview with Bela Lugosi
2. The Strongest Man in the World
3. Legend films trailers

In 2006, the complete print was restored and colorized by Legend Films, using the latest technology --- Although the Legend Films release was advertised under its reissue title, both the color and black and white prints featured the original title and opening credits --- Legend Films can restore, colorize and release many of the classic earliest black and white films --- a patented coloring and remastering process makes each film picture perfect plus more vivd than ever --- no one can resist collecting every title that Legend Films releases.

Hats off and thanks to Barry B. Sandrew Ph.D. (Founder, COO & CTO) and his Legend Films Staff --- looking forward to more high quality releases from the vintage era of the '20s, '30s & '40s --- order your copy now from Amazon where there are plenty of copies available on DVD --- if you enjoyed this title, why not check out Legend Films where they are experts in releasing long forgotten films and treasures to the collector.

Total Time: 68 mins on DVD ~ Legend Films. ~ (10/21/2008)

Basically this a sci-fi flick with an interesting story. The actors were not as atrocious as in Glen or Glenda. Sure they were wooden, but they weren't as cardboard cut out as Dolores was in that or many of the actors that were in that. In some ways though sympathies have to go to Bela Lugosi. He tries his damnedest to do his best in every film and is only let down by nearly all of those around him. His assistant Lobo ( or Tor ) isn't so bad himself. He plays the silent part well and knows how to carry out his job perfectly. It's just a pity he had to be in this film. Everybody else just is a bit too hammy in their acting to be really believable and well when it comes to inanimate objects that are pretending to be snakes or giant octopusses, the less said the better! Well actually, I might as well divulge them anyway......basically see them scream and squirm and toss and turn when the thing does absolutely nothing is hilarious.

Another problem is the ending which happens a little too quick. I know some might just turn off the DVD when they think it's all just crap but it seems Ed spent ages on how to plot the suspense and leaves you short changed on the ending. Just a simple few words " He messed with..." blah blah blah and kaboosh show's over folks. It's not so much of a happy ending as more of a botched job of an ending. Still there's a dramatic improvement in this film and Glen or Glenda

But Ed tried, honestly he tried

Ed Wood films cannot be described without resorting to pejoratives. "So bad, it's funny" doesn't capture the essence of this movie. That speaks volumes, considering the many examples of schlock cinema that is out there in cheesy movie land. Bela Lugosi, regardless of the serious merits of his actor's work record, has the dubious distinction of starring in some of the lowest of the low budget turkeys of all time. As Varnoff, the crazed scientist, he seeks to create a master race of atomic giants. Bela's lab/dungeon displays a flat wall that is painted to suggest rock. Note the prominent sink, cabinets, and refrigerator that look as if they emerged from a Good Housekeeping ad of 1955. Surpassing the absurdities of the set are the platform shoes (suggesting atomic height) worn by Bela's double during the climactic battle with Lobo (Tor Johnson). The inanimate rubber octopus is the stuff of low budget legend. The metal cap with wires attached worn by the victim strapped to the table compliment the ersatz Frankenstein aura of the electrodes and the other hardware. The angora effect is evident. The moderately priced DVD edition has a sharp image, but dark tones abound. The audio is inferior. Considering the silly dialogue, that isn't all bad news. Collectors of vintage cheesy horror flicks need this movie in their library regardless of the challenges. Bela Lugosi fans still ponder his professional decline. From the original Universal Studios Dracula to Ed Wood was a downward spiral of just over 20 years. Proceed at your peril. ;-)