On This Day

The Curse of Frankenstein released

May 2nd 1957

09:34 2 May 2024

'The Curse of Frankenstein' was released on this day in 1957, premiering at the Warner Theatre, Leicester Square, London. After the success of their film version of Nigel Kneale’s BBC television science fiction series ‘The Quatermass Xperiment’, Hammer Films turned their attention to the horror market. Post war, gothic horror films had experienced a decline in popularity. The black and white Universal films of the 1930’s and 40’s, as brilliant as some were, now seemed quite tame for modern cinema audiences.

Hammers first venture into what would become a lucrative market for the company was a retelling of Mary Shelleys classic novel ‘Frankenstein’, this time though in colour with blood and gore pushed to the limit the censors would allow.

After his acclaimed performance as Winston Smith in a BBC television adaptation of George Orwells ‘1984’, Peter Cushing was chosen to play Victor Frankenstein, whilst Christopher Lee was cast as the creature. The film was a massive hit, reportedly grossing more than 70 times its production cost during its original theatrical run.

Hammer Films would go on to become not just synonymous with successful British business, receiving the Queens Award for British Industry in 1968, but also for somehow managing to produce often quite lavish looking films on fairly modest budgets. Cited as an influence on their work by directors as renowned as Martin Scorsese and Tim Burton, ‘The Curse of Frankenstein’ remains a milestone in horror cinema.