"Bride of Frankenstein" Christian Imagery

Above, the Monster (Boris Karloff) pelted by rocks in a scene suggesting crucifixion.

For Easter Sunday, I though I would post a little something from a movie we all cherish.

A few weeks ago, I watched Bride of Frankenstein (1935). While doing so I paid more attention to the Christian imagery that the film contained.

Until recent years, Henry Frankenstein's creation scene declaration, "In the name of God, now I know what it's like to be God!" in Frankenstein (1931) was censored out. It was finally restored. That was basically the only objectionable religious item in the movie. The drowning of Maria was also censored until recent years, but now restored as well. But Bride of Frankenstein went much further.

Joseph Breen, administrator of the Production Code objected to some images in the movie and had Whale re-shoot scenes or just had some eliminated. Director James Whale, however, was a clever man and was able to sneak some images in. 

Above, the censored graveyard crucifix scene that was changed to toppling a statue of a bishop.

In an article by Jan A. Henderson and George E. Turner, the images (and references in the dialog) were discussed as follows:

Whale retained most of the religious imagery that had worried Breen. The captured Monster, raised aloft on a pole and pelted by rocks, obviously symbolizes crucifixion. Additionally, a crucifix in the hermit's cabin is heavily emphasized; the Monster angrily topples a statue of a bishop; and Pretorius impiously quotes Biblical phrases ("Male and female created He them. Be fruitful and multiply."). Elizabeth tells Henry that his thoughts are "blasphemous and wicked." While these touches are much commented upon by historians, no one has explained why Pretorius dons a yarmulke before unveiling his miniature creatures.

Above, the Hermit's crucifix (at left) starts glowing as the scene fades to black.

There was very little humor in the original 1931 Frankenstein, but there was plenty of dark humor in Bride of Frankenstein. Whale initially did not want to direct a sequel, but was persuaded to direct it as he was given free reign. The result was a rare sequel that many consider to be superior to the original.