Still regarded as the definitive film version of Mary Shelleys classic tale of tragedy and horror, Frankenstein made unknown character actor Boris Karloff a star and created a new icon of terror. Along with the highly successful Dracula, released earlier the same year, it launched Universal Studios golden age of 1930s horror movies. The films greatness stems less from its script than from the stark but moody atmosphere created by director James Whale; Herman Rosses memorable set designs, particularly the fantastic watchtower laboratory, featuring electrical equipment designed by Kenneth Strickfaden; the creatures trademark look from makeup artist Jack Pierce, who required Karloff to don pounds of make-up and heavy asphalt shoes to create the monsters unique lurching gait; and Karloffs nuanced performance as the tormented and bewildered creature. Frankenstein was greeted with screams, moans, and fainting spells upon its initial release, obliging Universal to add a disclaimer in which Edward van Sloan advises the faint of heart to leave the theater immediately. If they dont: Well...weve warned you. Director James Whale was memorably embodied by Ian McKellen in the Oscar-winning 1998 biopic Gods and Monsters. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide