simeon_flake A lot of mixed reviews for this one--I'm not sure if it's because this is the one that seems to copy the old Universal Frankensteins more than any other film in the Hammer series. Reprotedly, Universal also gave Hammer permission to use the old monster makeup--explaining Kiwi Kingston's look.Nevertheless, I enjoyed it--hell, I would say it's the best of the series that I've seen so far. Just an educated guess on my part as far as the storyline--but, still not having seen "The Revenge of Frankenstein,"--I'm guessing the story for "Evil" is totally new and thus probably free of any nagging continuity as far as how the Baron is back again. But--as I've said elsewhere--sometimes the simplest explanation is that these movies were popular and the public wanted more. Just see the followup, "Frankenstein Created Woman."10 stars...

Scott LeBrun Peter Cushing once again delivers the goods in this third entry into Hammer Studios' "Frankenstein" series. The story (concocted by producer Anthony Hinds, using the "John Elder" pseudonym) isn't great, but it's entertaining enough. We get what we expect: The Baron (Peter Cushing) refuses to give up his experiments involving the creation of life. This time he is assisted by a young man named Hans (Sandor Eles), and through a series of circumstances they end up in a mountainous cavern where they discover the body of The Barons' Monster (played adequately by New Zealand wrestler "Kiwi" Kingston), which is of course brought back to life. But this is not done without some outside help, a hypnotist (Peter Woodthorpe).Due to a deal with Universal, Hammer was able to utilize some classic set decoration, as well as come closer to the classic look of the Monster in the 1930s and 1940s. The makeup by Roy Ashton does not represent his best work, though. The film is directed by genre specialist Freddie Francis, who always brought a sense of style whether he was functioning as director or cinematographer. It definitely LOOKS great, although it doesn't have as much atmosphere as top tier Hammer. Cushing is typically excellent, but you can't help but be annoyed when the Baron keeps blowing his cover by giving into anger and impulsive behavior. Viewers might not care for the hypnotism angle, but it does offer a novel twist on these tales which were so often formulaic. We do get a real eyeful of some lovely ladies (including Katy Wild, who's very appealing as a flame haired mute beggar girl), and there's some mild gore, so "The Evil of Frankenstein" fulfills its sex & violence quotient.Several solid British character actors round out the cast: Duncan Lamont as the chief of police, David Hutcheson as the Barons' nemesis the Burgomaster, James Maxwell as a righteously indignant priest, Howard Goorney as a drunk witness, and an unbilled Timothy Bateson as a hypnotized man. There is a US version that incorporates new scenes with William Phipps, Steven Geray, and Maria Palmer.A lesser entry in this series, but all in all, it's not bad.Six out of 10.

Prichards12345 Freddie Francis did not have much of a feel for Gothic horror, as he admitted himself. He was more at home in modern dress horrors and Amicus' anthology tales; so when he came to The Evil Of Frankenstein he delivered an out of kilter film that doesn't square with the earlier films in the series but instead harks back to the Universal Monsters' movies of the 40s.Peter Cushing's character is somewhat changed, too. Instead of the sardonically ruthless medical researcher here he's a bit of a whinger. Cushing is as good as ever but the Baron is much less interesting this time out, and we only have Peter Woodthorpe's lip-smacking hypnotist to really savour.This one has Frankenstein returning to his castle and recounting a totally different scenario to that seen in Curse of Frankenstein to his assistant Hans (Sandor Eles). Finding the body of his previous creation entombed in the ice, Frankenstein attempts to reach the creature's damaged mind with the aid of said hypnotist, who of course immediately abuses his power.The monster's look in this film is awful - on a par with Dave Prowse in Horror Of Frankenstein. With papier-mache forehead that looks like a cardboard box and size 35 diving boots he's more humorous than frightening. He's also played by an ex-wrestler, and the acting skills of previous creatures Christopher Lee and Michael Gwynne are sorely missed.Evil looks fantastic, however, particularly the laboratory set - the most spectacular of these sets in any Hammer Frankenstein, and the creation scene is splendid. Hammer put the Baron back on an even keel when Terence Fisher returned in the much better Frankenstein Created Woman.

jacobjohntaylor1 This is a sequel to The revenge of Frankenstein. It is very scary. It has a great story line. It also has great acting. It also has great special effects. Doctor Frankenstein finds out the monster it still alive. IF this movie does not scary then one movie will. The cures of Frankenstein is a little better. It is very intense. Lady Frankenstein is also a little better. But still this is a very good movie. It is a true horror classic. I need more lines and I am running out of thing to say. Very scary very scary very scary. This movie is a must see. Very scary very scary very scary very scary very scary very scary. See it see it see it see it.