I never realized how good these early Frankenstein movies were. "Frankenstein" is a great movie and "Bride of Frankenstein" is perfect in every way. Now, "Son of Frankenstein" isn't at the level of those two greats, but it's really good.

I enjoyed the performance of Basil Rathbone. He transforms from mild-mannered scientist to lunatic to murderer in practically the blink of an eye. And I know he didn't do a lot of the stunts, but I was impressed by his athleticism. There is one particular scene when he is throwing darts with crazy accuracy without even looking at the board. He's pretty good with a block and tackle, too.

Boris Karloff is underused but makes the most of the film's finale when his Monster has a temper tantrum. Karloff throws lab equipment around like toys. Actually, I'm pretty sure they were lightweight props, but it was still great. He's kind of a hit man for Igor and doesn't really have much to do here, but he's still cool as Hell.

Speaking of Igor, Bela Lugosi plays the character with enthusiasm. He's ugly, sure. But he's also manipulative, vengeful, conniving and is quite good playing something that looks like a clarinet. Lugosi is probably the highlight here.

I can't stand the Inspector character, played by Lionel Atwill. "Young Frankenstein" aside...is Atwill's inspector supposed to be comic relief? I realize that 75 years have passed, but is his character a serious portrayal or a stereotype of the times?

I was also immediately struck by the sets, odd angles and strange architecture. It seemed a very impractical use of space, but was attention grabbing, especially when coupled with the amazing light and shadow it was all shot in.

So when will these Frankenstein movies drop off in quality? Will it be the upcoming fourth movie of the series, "Ghost of Frankenstein"? Will it falter at the fifth entry, "House of Frankenstein"? It has been a treat to find out how entertaining these old Frankenstein films are.

Baron Wolf von Frankenstein.

Son Of Frankenstein, directed by Rowland V. Lee and starring Basil Rathbone as Baron Frankenstein, Boris Karloff as The Monster (his last turn as the creature), Lionel Atwill as Inspector Krogh and Bela Lugosi as Ygor. That's quite a cast list, add in a sharp script from Willis Cooper and the stunning sets from Russell Gausman, and you got a sequel that's well worth its salt.

Following on from Bride Of Frankenstein (25 years later), the film sees son of Frankenstein Baron Wolf von Frankenstein (Rathbone) return to the family home and scene of his fathers monstrosities. Receiving a less than Luke warm reception on arrival, Wolf is presented with a box containing his fathers papers. After being told in no uncertain terms that continuing his fathers work will not be tolerable, Wolf laughs off the notion. However the next day he's out wandering in the ruins and comes across Ygor, his dead fathers assistant. Where it's revealed that "The Monster" is still alive but very much comatose. Wolf then becomes obsessed with bringing the monster back to full life, thus to prove his father had the right intention but not the execution of his ideas.

It's a ripper of a sequel is this, perhaps lacking in the humour that James Whale brought to the first two films, it is however a well constructed feature boasting great performances from Rathbone (the part was originally planned for Peter Lorre), Lionel Atwill (having a riot with his false arm) and Lugosi (possibly a career high in terms of substance). Lee stamps his own marker on the piece and I think the nicest thing one can say is that his film sits well with Whale's classics. The only let down is actually Karloff's monster, stripped of voice at Karloff's insistence, the monster is now reduced to being a lumbering robot. It's not a fitting farewell to the great work that Karloff did with this brilliant creation. 8/10