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Home , Curt Siodmak, Dwight Frye, Evelyn Ankers, Larry Talbot, Lionel Atwill, Night Monster

By Greg Mank leading lady in and The Ghost of , “The Greatest Selling Title thinks the Master Character in a Century of Shock Showmanship!” Creator is a drunken lout; he –Advance publicity, has victimized her with crude Universal’s Exhibitors practical jokes and calls her Manual, for Frankenstein “Evelyn Shankers”—a shanker Meets the Wolf Man (1943). being a syphilis sore. Perhaps the most conflict- Thursday night, March 26, 1942: A cere- ed, or should be, is Lugosi. The mony takes place at the Hollywood Pantages actor spent a decade eclipsed Theatre, where the attraction is Universal’s by —or KARL- The Ghost of Frankenstein. OFF, as Universal top-billed Four of stars of the film are onstage, “in him—who is currently starring person.” The audience applauds as Lionel in Broadway’s super hit Arsenic Atwill, Evelyn Ankers, and and Old Lace, leaving the Holly- present Lon Chaney, Jr., son of the long-dead wood horror arena wide open “Man of a Thousand Faces,” a plaque, award- for Lugosi. Now, the 36-year ing him his own sobriquet. old Chaney comes a-lumber- It reads, “The Screen’s New Master ing along, complaining about Character Creator.” his makeups, drinking on the Chaney had portrayed The Wolf Man, set, smashing his dressing following as the Monster in The Ghost of room to pieces, yet enjoying In The Ghost of Frankenstein, the brain of Bela Frankenstein, and now Universal affords him a PR bonanza far surpassing Lugosi’s evil old Ygor... (Courtesy of Photofest) this fulsome honor. The actors also perform anything Lugosi received this “stunt,” as Variety labels it, this night at and deserved in the wake of the RKO Hillstreet Theatre, where The Ghost . And so, sentenced by Universal to five years’ probation for perjury regarding of Frankenstein plays as well. featured status in both The Wolf Man and The his “Yuletide orgies,” painfully aware this Atwill, a celebrated stage star of the Ghost of Frankenstein, Lugosi must endure might be his final film. Roaring ’20s, had enjoyed his ballyhoo as this night’s consecration of a new, supreme Chaney Sr.’s “Successor” when he starred Universal Horror Star. • Sexy Ilona Massey, in her blonde Bavarian in Warner Bros.’ Mystery of the Wax Mu- The stage is set for a Frankenstein movie braids and revealing 1942 negligee, enjoying seum (1933); vain and assured, he likely sees to come—perhaps the most infamously trou- Universal top-billing despite MGM’s having Chaney Jr. as merely a burly bully boy, hardly bled production in Universal’s horror history. blackballed her after an in-house scandal. in his polished league. Ms. Ankers, Chaney’s The offscreen sagas of • Wizened Maria Ouspenskaya, suffering Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, an on-set accident that tosses her out of a and its wild-and-wicked shoot carriage and out of the film. at Universal City during the Halloween season of 1942, are • Pallid Dwight Frye, looking ill as a benign real-life Hollywood Melodrama: villager—or does he seem so because we realize he had only a year left to live? • Boisterous Lon Chaney in his most angst-ridden Wolf • The mysterious specters of uncredited Man portrayal, reprieved at the stuntmen, leaving historians debating as eleventh hour from Universal’s to who doubled the Wolf Man and Monster original razzle-dazzle brain- in what Universal heralded as “the beast storm of starring him as both battle of the century!” and Monster. Need proof of the film’s power to • Humbled Bela Lugosi as Fran- compel? Take a (very) long look at the kenstein’s Monster, notoriously Classic Board, managed by playing the role he had proudly David Colton and Kerry Gammill, and its scorned in 1931 (“I will not play “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man: Dissec- a scarecrow..!”), collapsing on tion Version” thread. As of April 8, 2013, the set, mercifully unaware of there were 8,306 posts. the mutilation awaiting his por- Fascination, passion, obsession—it is a trayal in the editing room. mania worthy of Colin Clive’s Frankenstein himself. All the while, the film’s production ...went into the skull of Lon Chaney’s • Scandalized Lionel Atwill papers remain almost mystically elusive, stolid Monster. (Courtesy of Photofest) as the Mayor, gallantly acting leaving historians to often eccentric, far-flung with bravado after receiving research. Revisionist theories abound. Writ-

4 MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #32 SUMMER 2013 5 will direct Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, Miss Marlowe tells the Examiner: completes Universal’s Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon, starring , Nigel I received a telephone Bruce, and Lionel Atwill (as Moriarty). Neill call at 8:44 p.m. on July 3 wraps up the 68-minute movie in 16 days— telling me that I “know too packed with atmospherics and 5 days ahead much” and that I would be of schedule. Also in Neill’s resume: The Black healthier if I get out of town. Room (Columbia, 1935), in which he superbly I got one call at 3 o’clock directed Karloff’s good and evil medieval in the morning previous twins. His speed, stylistics, and experience to that. I have lost sleep, directing a star in a dual role is definitely a weight and my boyfriend plus for the upcoming Frankenstein film. over it and my mother is Kinky Pinky: Wednesday, July 1: near a nervous breakdown... LIONEL ATWILL INDICTED ON PERJURY, I am NOT leaving headlines the Los Angeles Examiner. The per- town. I AM getting my tele- jury is in regard to the Yuletide orgies Atwill phone number unlisted and I (whose nickname is Pinky) allegedly hosted intend to respond if called as at his Pacific Palisades house at Yuletide a witness and tell the truth. 1940, during which he reportedly showed These threats won’t stop me. the pornographic films The Plumber and the I am from Texas and Texans The strain and worry show in this picture of Girl and The Daisy Chain. Atwill claims he is don’t scare easily. Lionel Atwill, taken during his real-life court- the victim of a “sinister extortion syndicate” room melodrama. (Courtesy of Greg Mank) vowing to defame him if he fails to pay Also on July 6: Despite the lurid money. Universal, which employs Atwill newspaper reports, Universal stars Atwill in Bela Lugosi. It is Lugosi’s third 1942 film for regularly, watches the headlines. , which starts shooting on this the bottom-of-the-barrel studio. Monday, July 6: Katherine Marlowe, date. Both Atwill and Lugosi, despite top Hungarian Vamp: Wednesday, August an actress allegedly present at an Atwill billing, appear as red herrings. Atwill admits 19: Ilona Massey, whose reputation in Holly- “orgy,” throws gasoline on the fire, claim- that but for Universal’s “courage and mag- wood is notorious, separates from her spouse ing she has received threatening phone nanimity,” he would be “a dead egg now.” of seventeen months, actor Alan Curtis. She calls, one from an individual whose voice Poverty Row: Wednesday, August 5: had previously been mistress to Sam Katz, a she recognized (but does not identify). Monogram starts Bowery at Midnight, starring producer at MGM, the studio that had hailed “What good is a brain without eyes...!” Chaney’s Monster attacks Lionel her as “a singing Garbo.” Scandal erupted, Atwill’s mad Dr. Bohmer, whose brain surgery has caused the creature’s blindness, in The Ghost of Frankenstein. The script for Frankenstein and MGM fired her and blackballed her as Meets the Wolf Man carried on with a blind and talking Monster—with she began an affair with Curtis and married Chaney set to play both Monster and werewolf. (Courtesy of Photofest) him. She will claim that Curtis liked to drink and argue, and her secretary will testify that er/researcher Scott Gallinghouse is currently “Monster” and “” [sic]. Siodmak, after remembered with relish, cools down on hot Ilona emerged from these clashes “looking at work on a full-length book on the film. reading the script for The Ghost of Franken- nights by typing in only her bra. very haggard and ten years older.” This article commemorates the 70th an- stein and/or seeing a prerelease screening, “Double Header”: Wednesday, May 6, Dracula Staked: Thursday, August 20: niversary of the release of Frankenstein Meets clearly has some confusion about whether 1942: “Double Horror,” headlines Variety: Variety reports: the Wolf Man and provides a variety of new the revived creature is now Ygor, as it is his discoveries, expanded theories, and a tribute brain, or the Monster, as it is his body. ...Universal is playing a dou- Bela Lugosi trains for Chicago to the most retrospectively popular Universal Seventy years later, horror fans will refer ble-header in spinal chills. Studio Sunday, opening Sept. 4 in Dracula horror classic of them all. to this Ygor/Monster hybrid as “Ygorstein.” is tossing its Wolf Man and The at the Cohan Grand Opera House. Fighting Hungarians: Sunday, March 29: Ghost of Frankenstein into one While doing the four-week Chicago Part I: The Blueprint The United Hungarian-American Defense horrendous grapple. Lon Chaney, run in the stage piece, Lugosi will “I, Ygor, Will Live Forever!”: Thursday, Federation holds its first Red Cross benefit Jr. ... is slated to clinch with him- also make personals in film houses January 15, 1942: Universal completes The at Los Angeles’ Polytechnic High School. self in a duplex monstrosity titled there playing Monogram features Ghost of Frankenstein. The climax: Mad Dr. Among the Hungarian émigré sponsors and Wolf Man Meets Frankenstein. in which he appears ... after the Bohmer (Lionel Atwill) places the evil brain performers: future Frankenstein Meets the Wolf General idea is that two monsters Chicago engagement play goes on of old Ygor (Bela Lugosi) into the skull of Man stars llona Massey and Bela Lugosi. are better than one when they work the road with a New York opening Frankenstein’s Monster (Lon Chaney, Jr.). Even a Man Who is Pure in Heart... on the same salary, even though scheduled for early winter. Bohmer has bungled, the Monster goes blind, May Have a Secretary Stripped Down to there are no priorities on monsters. the sanitarium burns down… The End. her Brassiere: Tuesday, March 31: Siodmak For unknown reasons, the tour and Thursday, February 26: , completes his script for Wolf-Man Meets The Mummy’s Flask: Wednesday, June New York opening fall through. Lugosi who scripted The Wolf Man (1941), is already Frankenstein. There is no longer any mention 3: Universal begins shooting The Mummy’s will remain in Hollywood. He has no im- at work on a treatment for Wolf-Man Meets of Ygor, although the Monster, still blind and Tomb, and Chaney takes on yet another mon- mediate film offers. Frankenstein, a sequel to both The Wolf Man speaking, boasts of being the recent recipient ster, the funky Kharis. He bitches about the Nice to be Wanted: Friday, September 4: and the not-yet-released The Ghost of Franken- of “a clever brain.” Meanwhile, Siodmak, in makeup and, so legend persists, gets through The Los Angeles Times writes that RKO is seek- stein. A page from Siodmak’s treatment, dated the wake of The Wolf Man, asks for a Univer- the shoot with a flask tucked in his costume. Lon Chaney, “The Screen’s Master Character Creator,” ing Lon Chaney to star in The Leopard Man, this day (and discovered by writer/researcher sal raise. It is denied. He does enjoy a Uni- The Right Man for the Job: Friday, as Kharis, in The Mummy’s Tomb. (MFTV Photo Archive) to be produced by Val Lewton. Lewton’s Bob Furmanek), refers to the Monster as both versal “perk”: a secretary who, as Siodmak June 19: Director Roy William Neill, who first film, Cat People, is not yet released, and

6 MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #32 SUMMER 2013 7 heavy role presumably en- ing each other, killing each other, response (note the brackets): kenstein Meets the visioned for Chaney. without a thought but their own Wolf Man, in which Wolf at the Door: Also petty gains.] I will rule the world! Mannering (hoarsely): All right. Lon Chaney toplines in on September 4: Maria Ous- [I will live to witness the fruits of Tonight—I’ll drain out the Mon- the dual roles. Picture penskaya, who played Ma- my wisdom for all eternity!] ster’s artificial energies. And I hope rolls today. leva the Gypsy in The Wolf I’ll bring peace to both of them: [the Man and will reprise the George Waggner, who produced and insane murderer, who wants to However, despite the mystical role in Frankenstein directed The Wolf Man, produced The Ghost die—and the inhuman thing, that Chaney publicity, there have Meets the Wolf Man, needs of Frankenstein, and is producing Frankenstein wants to live forever...] been negotiations, and... the work. On this date, the Meets the Wolf Man, sends the script to Joseph “I Will Play a Scare- Income Tax Bureau files a Breen for a censorship office green light. He In fact, Breen even righteously suggests crow..!”: Tuesday, October 13: lien against her for $2,763. does not get one. that Dr. Mannering not plan to kill the Wolf LUGOSI PLAYS MONSTER Taking the Side of Hate Mail: Friday, October 9: Breen re- Man or Monster: IN U CHILLER FILM, head- Caution: Wednesday, October sponds: lines Variety on page six. 7: Another Bob Furmanek “...he should make it quite The report is brief: discovery: Curt Siodmak While the basic story can be clear that he hopes to cure these provides Universal a re- approved under the provisions men rather than kill them.” Bela Lugosi goes vised script for Wolf-Man of the Production Code, there is to Universal to han- Meets Frankenstein only five an unacceptable attitude toward Waggner trusts (rightly, as it turns out) dle monster role in days before shooting is to “mercy killings” ... which, even in that Breen will cut the film some slack when Frankenstein Meets begin. Siodmak, perhaps a fantastic story such as this, could it is completed. There is no time for an exten- the Wolf Man, which aware that trouble lies ahead not be approved by us. sive rewrite. The film starts shooting Monday. started yesterday for a talking Monster, has The Budget: While no precise informa- with Roy William trimmed some of the crea- The censor cites the script’s “gruesome- tion is available, the final cost ofThe Ghost of Neill directing. Studio A fine study of “Madame” Maria Ouspenskaya. ture’s purple prose dialogue. ness,” “drunkenness,” and “suggestion of Frankenstein was $211,000. The budget for Son originally had idea of Bela Lugosi, an eleventh hour casting addition, mimes the Monster’s (Courtesy of Photofest) blindness in this publicity portrait. (MFTV Photo Archive) Note this speech, brackets cruelty to animals.” This objection also bears of Dracula, which will begin shooting Janu- having Lon Chaney marking the excised lines: mention: ary 7, 1943, will be $207,750. As Frankenstein portray both Franken- Lewton himself is reportedly negotiating Meets the Wolf Man had production values and stein and the Wolf Man, which he gosi Does Other,” citing the “terrific physical with Universal for Chaney’s loan-out. Since Monster: Die? Never! Dr. Fran- ...care should be exercised as shooting schedules (24 days) comparable with has portrayed in recent chillers, strain” of playing both creatures as the reason he protests the use of “overt” horror stars, kenstein created this body to be to the manner in which Rudi and those of both these films, its budget is likely but finally tabbed Lugosi for the for the eleventh hour casting. Unpublicized Lewton is probably relieved when Universal immortal! His son gave me a new his wife withdraw from the danc- about $200,000. (Average cost of a feature film former character. are Chaney’s heavy drinking, rambunctious refuses to lend its Master Character Creator. brain, a clever brain. [I shall use it ers. There must of course be no in 1942: $336,600.) Universal is both reaping personality, and time bomb temper in Jack P. When The Leopard Man starts shooting in for the benefit of the miserable peo- suggestion that they are leaving publicity and saving money by starring Lon The same day, The Hollywood Reporter Pierce’s makeup. These indelicacies probably February 1943, James Bell will play the ple who inherit the world, cheat- the group for sexual purposes. Chaney as both Wolf Man and Monster. headlines “One Monster is Enough, So Lu- also forced this decision, as did the chal- That plan is about to change. What most seriously concerns Breen, however, is the “mercy Part II: The Shoot killings” aspect. In this exchange “I thought the dead were stiff!”: between Elsa and Maleva, brackets Monday, October 12: Shooting starts on mark what will be missing in the Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man. The release version: still numbers indicate the first episode shot: the grave robbers (Cyril Delevanti Elsa: But [what about Tal- and Tom Stevenson) robbing the Talbot bot?] He’s insane! mausoleum in Llanwelly Cemetery Maleva: Insane? He’s not and opening Lawrence Talbot’s coffin... insane... He simply wants on the night of a full moon. to die... [that is all he asks Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man’s of the Doctor– opening is arguably the most fright- Elsa: Are you asking Dr. ening scene in all of the Universal Mannering to kill a man? horror films: the desolate cemetery, Maleva: It would not be the blowing leaves and cawing birds, murder... It would be an the fouling of the Talbot tomb, and the act of grace to deliver this moon-shrouded corpse of Chaney’s unfortunate soul from Lawrence Talbot, covered in wolfbane his suffering... My pow- in his coffin...and with very long finger- ers have failed ... but my nails. Hans J. Salter’s musical score will prayers will be answered!] add to the chills. Meanwhile, Variety announces this morning: Maria Ouspenskaya (as Maleva), Ilona Massey (as Baroness Elsa Breen demands that Manner- Tom Stevenson and Cyril Delevanti see Lon Chaney’s Wolf Frankenstein), Patric Knowles (as Dr. Frank Mannering), and Lon ing, after Elsa begs him to destroy Patric Knowles draws the Chaney (as Lawrence Talbot), amidst the ruins in Frankenstein Meets Man resurrect in the moonlight in the spine-tingling opening the Wolf Man. (Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) her father and grandfather’s romantic lead opposite Ilona of Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man. (Courtesy of Photofest) “monstrous creation,” alter his Massey in Universal’s Fran-

8 MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #32 SUMMER 2013 9 Lon Chaney’s Wolf Man, Bela Lugosi’s Monster, and lenges of the trick photography. 4. He could potentially show up Ilona Massey’s Elsa. (Courtesy of Photofest) At any rate, George E. Phair finds it Karloff. all rather funny in his Variety “Retakes” column of October 15: 5. He would add the Frankenstein Monster to his resume. Karloff had Frankenstein Meets the Wolf never played Dracula. Man, originally designed as a dou- ble header for young Lon Chaney, 6. Any film with Universal car- is so horrendous that Lon is afeard ries more prestige than one from to meet himself in a dark alley. So Monogram. Bela Lugosi is called in from the bullpen to pitch the last half, with 7. Roy William Neill is a very fine Lon batting, and vice versa. You director, and Lugosi will likely do can’t run a horror picture nowa- well by him. days without a supercharger. 8. The Monster is blind; thus, the There is irony aplenty, of course, in Lu- role is more of a challenge than gosi’s now playing the Monster. Universal otherwise. folklore is already rich in the saga of Lugosi’s turning his nose up at the role in 1931, un- 9. The Monster now has dialogue; leashing Karloff upon the world and himself. Lugosi had originally objected to Why play it now, four sequels later? the role in 1931 largely because the Here are ten good reasons: creature did not speak.

1. Lugosi is available, his Dracula stage 10. He had loved playing Ygor, and now he Frankenstein’s Monster: “Money.” revival plans having collapsed. would be playing “Ygorstein,” with Ygor’s Cut Scene: Universal will not need brain in the Monster’s body. Lugosi until the following week. Neill 2. He is living in his “Dracula House,” with finishes up on the cemetery opening and its tower, arched window, and pond, at 10841 It is nice to imagine Lugosi approaching continues daubing the film with rich atmo- Whipple Street, North Hollywood, very close the job with positive vibes, but he might not sphere—watch those shadows that follow to Universal City; it is an easy commute. even have been aware of points eight, nine, Patric Knowles (as Dr. Mannering), Dennis and ten when Universal’s emergency call Hoey (as Inspector Owen), and Doris Lloyd 3. He would score points with Universal by came. In fact, his wife Lillian (who died in (as a nurse) at Queens Hospital. Neill also honoring this emergency call, which might 1981) was outspoken to me (in 1974) as to shoots a sequence cut before the film’s lead to better studio treatment. the only reason why Lugosi agreed to play release, wherein Inspector Owen and an assistant examine the clothes in which had been buried (“Material expensive, cut by a first-class tailor…”):

Owen: Rotten—as if they’d been buried for years! Have a look at these moldy spots (pointing) and the shoes—the leather is slimy... He picks up the shirt, which falls apart at his touch, as if it were woven of spiders thread...

“I lied like a gentleman to pro- tect friends”: Thursday, October 15: On Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man’s fourth day of shooting, Lionel Atwill goes to court. The verdict: Guilty of perjury. Despite his claiming that he had behaved “like a gentleman,” he receives a sentence of five years’ pro- bation. He is officially a felon, and it seems likely that Universal will fire him. The studio does not—but it grimly The Censorship office protested Dr. Mannering’s draining off of the Monster’s energies, suggesting appears that Frankenstein Meets the Wolf he attempt instead to “cure” the creature. Universal Man will be Atwill’s cinema swan song. ignored the directive. (Courtesy of Photofest) Yes, the Beauty Mark is Real: Surely buoying Atwill’s spirits is Ilona Massey, Frederick’s of Vasaria Cover Girl: Ilona Massey, adorned in her false blonde braids and sexy negligee, adds to the showmanship of Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man. (Courtesy of Buddy Weiss/Photofest) 10 MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #32 SUMMER 2013 11 was brought to a in a Celebrity Baseball Game in L.A. in but wartime restrictions 66-66 tie. The way August 1940. Silver Screen magazine (July regarding lit-up areas at it was done was 1943), describing the game, wrote that night cause the studio to simple—everyone Chaney “stopped the show.” use an interior set as an had a ball. Things So, during this week, Chaney really did exterior one. Thus, the were going along play both the Wolf Man and the Monster! company is also spared fine until the screen A Fascinating Time: Monday, October 19: from being at the mercy lovers refused to Business is booming at Universal. Also shoot- of the weather and film- come out of a hud- ing there today: Pittsburgh, starring Marlene ing night-for-night shots dle. The reason was Dietrich, , and ; into the wee hours. discovered when a It Ain’t Hay, starring ; “And May They curvaceous starlet ’s Shadow of a Doubt, star- Live...Eternally!”: It is came skipping out ring Teresa Wright and Joseph Cotton; and Adia Kuznetzoff, pop- of their midst. Deanna Durbin’s The Amazing Mrs. Halliday. eyed Russian basso, Adia Kuznetzoff’s Festival Singer learns it is dangerous to sing On October 20, Universal will hire 474 who plays the Festival “And may they live...eternally!” to Lon Chaney’s Larry Talbot. As the Holly- extras, which, according to The Hollywood Singer, merrily belting (Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) wood Citizen News Reporter, is “the heaviest atmosphere call out “Faro-La, Faro-Li” concluded: for the studio in weeks.” Of these Kuznetzoff, perhaps best extras, 56 will report to Soundstage remembered as the fierce chef Most stupen- 28, “The Phantom Stage,” to caper who chases Laurel and Hardy in dous play of the in Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man’s Swiss Miss (1938), has been tour- day was the 100- “Festival of the New Wine.” ing California with a USO show, yard “creep” made Originally built, of course, for headed by British character actor by Lon Chaney, Lon Chaney, Sr.’s The Phantom of Alan Mowbray. The troupe also Jr. (alias Franken- the Opera (1925), the Phantom Stage includes such attractions as June stein) when he par- had been the site of a December Havoc, Diana Lynn, Peggy Ryan, Lionel Atwill as the Mayor, acting with high spirits despite his legal woes, alyzed everybody 1940 ceremony dedicating the stage and Don Barclay, who plays nicely sets up the mutual attraction of Ilona Massey’s Elsa and Lon Chaney’s Talbot. (Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) on the gridiron, to Chaney Sr.’s honor; Chaney Jr. Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man’s including the refs, had been present (in Man Made ever-drunken villager, Franzec. and then chased the Monster makeup). Now looming in Hottest Vasaria Babe: The who as The Hollywood Reporter will curiously and Billy Gilbert; Randolph Scott coaches whole screwy game to the showers. the soundstage is a huge replica of prize must go to Martha MacVicar, write in its Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man the Leading Men, boasting Broderick Craw- the village of Vasaria. The old ex- later known as Martha Vickers, review, “would look naked even in a fur ford, Anthony Quinn, Cesar Romero, Allan Chaney was in full Monster make- terior European Village, which ap- here in her film debut. The shoot- The Festival of the New Wine. (Courtesy of Greg Mank) coat.” She is wearing a black bonnet, a Jones, and...Lon Chaney. up, as Karloff had been when he played peared in the first four Frankenstein ing script specifies that Margareta, beige, hip-hugging Vera West suit, and and Rita films, still stands on the back lot, glimpsed in the tavern while stand- black heels, probably attracting wolf- Hayworth are the two team (music by Hans J. Salter, lyrics ing on a table and lighting the chandelier, is whistles as she sashays to the stage for captains, Milton Berle is one Martha Vickers, playing the Wolf Man’s victim, poses with by Curt Siodmak): the daughter of tavern keeper Vazec (Rex canine company on the set. (Courtesy of Greg Mank) her first scene with Chaney and Atwill. of the announcers, and the Evans)—hence his vengeful mania after the Chaney is certainly all-eyes when they game benefits the USO and Come one and all and Wolf Man kills her. No such inference will meet on-screen in the Mayor’s office, Ilona Mount Sinai Hospital. sing a song, Faro-la, be in the release version, although the scene responds by giving him one of the sexiest Leading Men ‘Win’ Gag faro-li! with Vazec carrying the “dead” Margareta up-and-down glances in 1940s cinema, Grid Battle, reports the Hol- For Life is short but through the street seems in homage to Mi- and Atwill gets in on the act, providing lywood Citizen News the Death is long, Faro- chael Mark’s “Ludwig” carrying the corpse his own racy spin on things: next day; the score: Leading la, faro-li! of Marilyn Harris’s “Little Maria” through Men, 94, Comedians, 79. the village in Frankenstein. Talbot: Do you mind if I speak to The article notes: The Hollywood Reporter Meanwhile, Martha Vickers is fated the Baroness alone, please? writes on October 21, some- to appear in ’s The Big Mayor (wide-eyed, suggestively): Unfortunately, what inaccurately: Sleep (1946) as Carmen, a thumb-sucking Why, why, certainly, certainly! the game got off to a nympho, and to become the third of eight bad start when one of Kuznetzoff Traps “Wolf” Mrs. Mickey Rooneys. Indeed, Atwill responds to this seem- the players was injured Saddest-Looking Vasarian: The evoca- ingly innocent exchange as if Chaney had by the oversized toss- Adia Kuznetzoff, in- tive casting of the villagers of Vasaria, calcu- asked if he could invite Ilona to Lionel’s up disc which fell on ternationally known lated to remind audiences of Universal Hor- house for a showing of The Daisy Chain. his toe. When a bevy Gypsy singer, gets a rors and Fantasies of long and recent past, Lionel “Pinky” Atwill—still irrepressibly of beautiful nurses was featured role in Uni- features Beatrice Roberts as Varja; she had off-color, even as a convicted felon! rushed by jeep to the versal’s Frankenstein played the evil Queen Azura in Universal’s Monster on the Gridiron: Sunday scene, all of the players Meets the Wolf Man. 1938 serial ’s Trip to Mars. Harry afternoon, October 18: The Los Angeles Coli- took sick in need of the Kuznetzoff plays him- Stubbs is Guno, the constable; he had been in seum hosts the Comedians vs. Leading Men comforting of the gor- self in pic, chanting a number of Universal horrors, notably as the Football Game. Edgar Kennedy coaches geous nurses. Lon Chaney’s Frankenstein Monster....gridiron mysterious songs that Police Chief murdered by The Invisible Man star! (Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood the Comedians, including Jimmy Durante, In the first play Movie Posters) prove to be a warning and as the priest in The Wolf Man. Buster Keaton, Jack Oakie, Wallace Ford, of the game, the score of murder—or worse. Most movingly, there is Dwight Frye

12 MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #32 SUMMER 2013 13 as Rudi, Vasaria’s newlywed tailor. The Apathetic Extra: ster’s crashing of the would remain oblivious to a leap- previous month, he had labored at Pov- What classic horror dis- Festival, and the en- ing larynx. Yet, during the filming erty Row’s PRC Studios, playing “Zolarr,” ciple would not have suing riot. Screams, of Frankenstein Meets the Wolf a hunchbacked assistant to vampire George loved to have been shrieks, overturned Man, he lost his poise entirely... Zucco in Dead Men Walk; Frye’s performance among those 56 Festival decorations, a rather Miss Swartz was scheduled to in that shoddy film seems a heartbreaking extras? Singing to the startling shot of a scream, which she did to such effect self-homage to his glory days as fly-eating feedback of “Faro-La, woman writhing on that Mr. Lugosi jumped perceptibly Renfield in Dracula and hunchbacked Fritz Faro-Li?” Soaking up the street in hysteria and allowed both consternation in Frankenstein. Pitifully reduced profes- the Phantom Stage at- and held tightly by and dismay to cross his face. Since sionally, Frye earns his primary income mospherics? Watching another women, and the implacable camera recorded at this time as a tool designer for Douglas to see if Ilona Massey finally a chase as Tal- these reactions—entirely out of Aircraft in Santa Monica. He is also dying adjusted a stocking? bot climactically rides character for Mr. Lugosi—the scene of heart disease. A Christian Scientist, he Noting that Lon Chaney off in a carriage, the had to be shot over again. avoids medical care and keeps the attacks he had brought his German Monster aboard, kick- The featured villagers, left to right: Adia Kuznetzoff, Don suffers at work a secret from his family. He shepherd, Moose, to the Barclay, Rex Evans, Harry Stubbs, Beatrice Roberts, and Bela Lugosi gets ready to unleash a Monster growl as Chaney, ing wine barrels at his Divorcee: Wednesday, October 21: Ilona will die at the age of only 44 on November set? Spying on Lionel Dwight Frye. Playing dead: Martha Vickers. (Courtesy of Ouspenskaya, Massey, and Knowles approach. (Courtesy of Ron- pursuers. It is the first Massey informs gossip columnist Louella 7, 1943, almost precisely a year after acting Atwill to see if he flirted Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) ald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) use of a double for the Parsons that she and husband Alan Curtis in Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man. with any of the village Monster on the film. (who will co-star with Patricia Morison Happiest-Looking Vasarian: Lionel girls? Keeping vigil for the arrival of Bela magic for her. Her name is Sonia Darrin, Were these verses originally shot and cut (Some historians believe the stuntman to and in the independently Atwill’s Mayor, with his arm tightly around Lugosi’s Frankenstein Monster? only a teenager in 1942, fated a few years prior to release? In 1993, musician and film be Bob Pepper, who later doubled Chaney produced Hitler’s Madman, which starts the waist of Ilona Massey’s Elsa as they Well, an alumna of that scene has turned later to play the vampy Agnes in The Big music historian Joseph Marcello sent me a copy as Kharis in The Mummy’s Curse.) Instantly, shooting the following week) are divorcing. dance at the festival. up, although she admits the day held little Sleep (1946, with Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and of the “Faro-La, Faro-Li” recording that had Lugosi’s Monster is an interesting inter- “Madame”: As work continues this Martha Vickers). In 2012, the vivacious Ms. been in Hans J. Salter’s personal library. It is pretation—the posturing, the stiff-legged, week, Maria Ouspenskaya joins the show, the Darrin remembers the job only vaguely, with apparently the original prerecorded track that almost goose-step, walk (a “Hitlerian” only Oscar-nominated player in Frankenstein no specifics about Chaney or Lugosi: Kuznetzoff sang to in the playback—the ending Monster?). He is clearly working at inferring Meets the Wolf Man (with Best Supporting clear, without Chaney’s shouts (“I don’t want to the creature’s blindness and illness. Actress nominations for 1936’s Dodsworth Frankenstein Meets the Wolf live eternally!”) overlapping. The Franzec/Rudi Bela and the Scream Queen: A curious and 1939’s Love Affair), as Neill shoots village Man—Oh, for God’s Sake! I was 16 and Wife verses are not on this recording. anecdote about this episode—Movieland street scenes, tavern scenes, and the chase years old, being paid as an extra, Happy Birthday, Bela: Tuesday, Octo- magazine (June 1946) will profile Universal’s into the hills after the Wolf Man. maybe $2.50 per day, bored to death ber 20: Bela Lugosi had celebrated his 60th professional screamer, Sara Swartz. The ac- Saturday night, October 24: Appropriately, ... and they could never find me! I birthday. Playing the Monster this week tress provides the reporter this story: a full moon is over Universal City as week two was always hiding out, reading or seems a twisted birthday present from wraps up on Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man. writing poetry! In that Festival Universal. The star’s first scene shot for It would be presumed that Was He Sober When He Said It?: Fast scene, everybody had his or her Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man: the Mon- Bela Lugosi, the Sheik of Shudders, forward to 1963. Lon Chaney, in an interview arms raised up, “Ray-Ray!” and with Hollywood columnist Bob there I was with a stupid expres- Thomas, reminisces about Franken- sion and my hands on my hips. stein Meets the Wolf Man: So there was an excited crowd, soon to be intimidated by the Mon- Poor old Bela Lugosi ster, and I was unenthusiastic ... was playing Frankenstein’s and waiting for them to call lunch. Monster, and it was evident It was silly of me. After all, after the first day or two that who doesn’t love Frankenstein? he didn’t have the physical strength to handle the role. Incidentally, Sonia is the mother of former So I played them both. child actor/celebrity Mason Reese, today the I’d do a scene one day as owner of a popular sports bar. Frankenstein talking to the By the way, the shooting script contains Wolf Man, using the back two verses of “Faro-La, Faro-Li” not in the of another actor’s head. The film—one sung to the drunken Franzec: next day I’d do the same scene as the Wolf Man. If Franzec never drank at all, Faro-la, faro-li, Few take Chaney’s claim seri- He might not care for alcohol... ously. At any rate, during the third week of shooting in the Franken- And so on. The other is sung to newly- stein ruins, castle, and laboratory, weds Rudi and his bride: Lugosi delivers a lot of Ygorstein dialogue—all of it doomed to the Now here’s a pair of newlyweds, cutting room floor. Might Chaney at Lon Chaney, in full Wolf Man makeup (where are those furry Faro-la, faro-li, some point have doubled the Mon- feet today?), relaxes with his devoted dog, Moose. (Courtesy Wonderful atmospherics: Ouspenskaya, Massey, and Knowles in the cursed of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) With love and kisses in their Frankenstein ruins. (Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) ster in these scenes—the excision of heads... which makes analysis impossible?

14 MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #32 SUMMER 2013 15 And what of Lugosi’s dialogue? Did he Larry: But if they catch you—chain Can You Hear It?: Incidentally, a the Frankenstein ruins and/or laboratory. speak in his raspy Ygor voice, as most sus- you and bury you alive—with tons popular Classic Horror Film Board thread Of all eight films in the Universal Franken- pect? The dialogue in the surviving shooting of earth on your body—where concerns whether one can actually hear stein canon, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man script helps us imagine how he acted and would your power be then? ... Lugosi speak a few words in this sequence. represents the only All Hallow’s Eve when sounded. Lugosi was probably impressive Where is that diary? Many believe they hear him gasp, “It’s in the Monster was amok on the Universal lot. in his “I will rule the world!” emoting. But The Monster gets up clumsily, walks here!” or “Here it is!” under the musical Week from Hell: Monday, November much of the dialogue presents the Monster toward the door, groping his way: score as he opens the cabinet in search of 2: It is the final scheduled week and Neill as a ninny, bullied by Talbot. Consider this Monster: Come with me... the diary. Maybe, but no such line is in the has a lot to finish, including the ice cav- exchange, in which Talbot promises to be the shooting script, and the “words” might just erns scene, the climactic battle, and the Monster’s friend if the creature will provide Then there is the scene, in which Larry be Lugosi’s Monster exhaling. laboratory explosion. him with Frankenstein’s diary: finds a box supposedly containing the diary and However, I believe I hear “Wait!” as Stills 52, 53, and 54 represent the runs off with “the precious box” in his hands. Lugosi turns and follows Chaney. The rest moody episode when Talbot finds Mal- Larry: You’ve got to trust me! The “Wait! Don’t leave me—wait!” shouts of the line—“Don’t leave me—wait!” is eva in the Gypsy camp. Chaney and Ma- diary will tell how to cure you—how the Monster, who follows “clumsily.” definitely long gone, but the Monster’s one dame are at their best, and Neill captures to give you back your strength—your Larry opens the box with hammer and “Wait!” might survive, missed by the editor a terrific atmosphere, including Torben eyesight. You’re weak—you couldn’t chisel. In the edited film, we see Lugosi and ghostly on the soundtrack. Meyer’s chilling reading of “He has the defend yourself if the people from enter the scene and open his mouth, about Mystery Still: Meanwhile, there is sign of the beast on him!” and those two Vasaria attacked you again— to say this line before it ended up on the Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man’s “mystery rather wild-looking Gypsy ladies whom Monster (disdainfully): They can’t cutting room floor: still”—unnumbered, and showing Lugosi Ouspenskaya shoos from the tent. Also kill me... and Chaney wrapped in blankets in the ru- present: Chaney’s dog, Moose, here play- Larry desperately tries to make the Monster: I was afraid you’d run ins. It is a scene that follows the Monster’s ing the Gypsy camp’s dog, “Bruno.” Monster believe him: away... crashing the Festival in the underground Memorably moody episode: Chaney’s Talbot arrives in a Gypsy camp in search By midweek, Neill probably starts of Maleva. Torben Meyer plays the Gypsy; Chaney’s dog, Moose, portrays the the mad laboratory sequence, leading to camp’s dog, Bruno. (Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) the climactic fight. Ilona Massey delights A rare shot from Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, cut during the emergency editing the company when she reports in her process: Chaney’s Talbot and Lugosi’s Monster rest in the ruins following the disaster at the Festival. Talbot tells the Monster he’s “dumb,” and the Monsters begs, “Don’t study of the Frankenstein ruins in early been during this stretch of shooting. blonde braids and negligee, looking like leave me—don’t go!” (Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) morning: The script writes: Halloween: Saturday, October 31: Univer- a catalogue cover girl for Frederick’s of sal begins shooting White Savage, starring Maria Vasaria. Lugosi registers his great close-up On the ground, propped up by Montez, Jon Hall, and Sabu, in Technicolor. of the Monster grinning on the operating pillows and covered with blankets Arthur Lubin is director and George Waggner table. Original inference: The creature has (found in Frankenstein’s closet) lies is producer. As such, Waggner’s attention is his sight back; hence Lugosi’s “hubba- the Monster, motionless. Only his divided as Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man starts hubba” smile as he gets a load of Ilona. labored BREATHING is HEARD. its final ten days of shooting. The Kenneth Strickfaden laboratory Also of note, on this Halloween of 1942, sparks and buzzes. Still number 60 shows Larry is throwing a log on the fire in Chaney and Lugosi were likely working in doubles for Chaney and Lugosi on the op- the fireplace, which casts “a flickering light through the room.” He demands of the Monster:

Larry: Why did you come down to the village? Now they’ll hunt us again— The Monster turns his face toward the fire, beads of sweat on his forehead: Larry (bitterly): You think you’re so clever—Frankenstein gave you a cunning brain, did he? But you’re dumb! You’ve spoiled our only chance— Mannering’s voice: Talbot! ... Talbot! Larry runs to the exit—but the Mon- ster says, fearful: Monster: Don’t leave me—don’t go!

There is much more dialogue than space allows, but as the aforementioned verbiage shows, Lugosi spoke (and whined) as the Monster this week—a lot. If there is any truth Chaney and Ouspenskaya conjure up genuine tragedy in this scene, as Talbot at all in Chaney’s claim that he doubled Lu- begs Maleva to help him to die and find peace. Torben Meyer eavesdrops. (Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) gosi as the Monster, probably it would have

16 MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #32 SUMMER 2013 17 Chaney’s Wolf Man ferocity blazes in the ice cavern. (Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) erating tables. The doubles are probably in other Universal stars). away) as the Monster Oh! Doctor (released as Hit the Ice), with Patric service due to the danger of the electricity. It would have been this bursts the straps off the Knowles prominent in the cast. A week later, Thursday, November 5: Lugosi collapses. day, more than likely, operating table. Variety notes that Eddie Parker has joined the This might have taken place during that Neill filmed the On probably the show. His role: an ambulance driver. the shooting of the battle. Mere speculation: scene in the ice grotto; production’s last day, Friday, December 11: Exactly one month Chaney, who loved to fight—boisterously— stills 61, 62, and 63 all the company blows up after Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man wraps, slammed Lugosi too hard. The next day’s The present Lugosi and the laboratory—still 79 Universal begins shooting Captive Wild Hollywood Reporter blames the collapse on Lu- Chaney in the ice. In showing the doubles Woman, starring Acquanetta (“a sensation gosi’s “packing around the 35-pound Monster still 61, particularly, for Massey, Knowles, in savagery”) in the title role, Evelyn Ankers makeup designed by Jack Pierce.” Universal Lugosi appears not to and Chaney, and still as heroine, and, as the mad doctor, an actor sends Lugosi home to recuperate. Once again, be wearing all of his 80 showing the doubles for whom Universal plans a horror star cam- Variety’s George Phair sees the humor, writing Monster padding—a for Chaney and Lugosi, paign—John Carradine. in the November 9, 1942, edition: concession, perhaps, with fire in the back- Wednesday, December 16: Monogram starts

to his collapse? Shot Lugosi’s in the ice in this still, but a double (probably ground. It must have shooting The Ape Man, starring Bela Lugosi, Horror pictures are growing 62 proves Lugosi was Gil Perkins) appears in the ice in the film. (Courtesy of been quite a spectacle, whose contract with Universal expires. so horrible that Bela Lugosi passed originally in the ice (or Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) the flood water cascad- Thursday, January 7, 1943: Eight weeks out during one of his own scenes. behind it); in the release ing on the stuntmen after Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man wraps, version, we see Gil Perkins (presumably) in I was frozen into that block of ice— his room at Queens Hospital). and the set. Meanwhile, the trick unit has Lon Chaney plays a new Universal mon- The same day: Neill films scenes of Chaney the ice, but more on that mystery later. Larry stops and looks at the Monster, It is during these final days that the been shooting miniatures of the dam ex- ster—the title role in Son of Dracula. and Ouspenskaya on the two-wheel carriage. Very late in the shoot, Lugosi delivers the aghast: director films long shots of the battle. Still ploding, Wolf Man transformations, and The posters will read, “The Screen’s The carriage overturns and Madame goes to the first scripted scene of Monster dialogue, as Larry (terrified by his memory): 72 shows Australian stuntman Gil Perkins other second unit material. Master Character Creator.” Monster and Talbot chat in Buried alive! ... I know— (or so many believe) doubling the Monster Wednesday, November the catacomb, Talbot having Larry identifies himself and tells the and carrying Massey; stills 71 and 73 show 11: Frankenstein Meets the built “a couple of small fires Monster he’s “hiding” in the ruins— Ilona Massey in her negligee and on her cot, Wolf Man wraps. It is Patric from the driftwood in the “the same as you.” awaking to the sound of the machinery. Knowles’ 31st birthday. Ab- cave,” the Monster sitting Monster (eagerly): Then you are Ear Whorls and Dimpled Chin: In 1991, bott and Costello’s It Ain’t on “the stony ground.” He my friend... We can help each Gil Perkins, in a telephone chat with this au- Hay, directed by Erle C. holds out his “weak hands” other— thor, claimed he doubled the Monster while Kenton (who had directed toward the fire while “trying They look together for the laboratory: bit player/stuntman Eddie Parker doubled The Ghost of Frankenstein), to focus his vision on Larry” Monster: (groping around again, the Wolf Man in the battle. “I remember I had finishes up at Universal on and says, “Where are you?” half-blind): The laboratory must to carry the Hungarian girl, Ilona Massey, the same day. be behind the ice... No! Up there! I who had practically nothing on. And I carried New Jobs: Ilona Mas- Monster (trying to get remember now... the real gal—I had the real Ilona Massey!” sey joins on a up): Help me to get up... Members of the Classic Horror Film war bond sales tour. Dwight Larry goes over to the And they build a platform of logs and Board have exhaustively examined the Frye has landed a bit as

Lugosi appears to be wearing a minimum of Monster giant and helps him to driftwood to reach the hole in the roof. All of battle scene to try to ascertain Perkins’ a prisoner in Fritz Lang’s “padding” here—perhaps due to his collapse on the set. his feet. this, of course, will become long-lost footage. claim and identify the doubles. Although Hangmen Also Die! Lionel Ready to pounce: Lon Chaney’s Wolf Man. (Courtesy (Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) Monster (cont’d): Overtime: Monday, November 9: The some say Perkins did all the Monster dou- Atwill is jobless. (Exoner- of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) Once I had the strength film is now behind schedule. The final bling, it appears to me that it is Parker as ated of his legal woes in hospital. As Variety reports on November 6: of a hundred men... It’s gone ... numbered stills are a mixed bag. Still 69 the Monster part of the time, including April 1943, Atwill will not work again in Part III. Retakes and Editing I’m sick... shows the Wolf Man in the ice cavern, while the front shot of the Monster holding (and films until that October, as evil Dr. Maldor in In her apparent one-and-only late-in- Maria Ouspenskaya was He stands with Larry’s help, and still 70 shows him on pilings and ready to dropping) Elsa. It is also definitely Parker Republic’s Captain America serial.) life interview about Frankenstein Meets the taken to Cedars of Lebanon hospi- supports himself against the wall. pounce (an early episode, after escaping (the double-dimpled chin a dead give- Friday night, November 13: Adia Wolf Man, Ilona Massey told James Miller tal yesterday with a broken ankle, Kuznetzoff and Don in Varulven magazine that after the film was received in accident on the set The scene moves “Once I had the strength of a hundred men...” The Monster Barclay appear with finished, “we did some retakes.” It is signifi- talks in an episode completely cut from the film. (Courtesy of of Frankenstein Meets the Wolf to the interior of the Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) A l a n M o w b r a y ’ s cant that Ilona definitely recalled retakes. It Man. Character actress was riding Frankenstein cata- USO troupe at Lake is maddening that she offered no specifics. in horse-drawn wagon with Lon combs: Norconian; Kuznet- At any rate, the areas where retakes are Chaney on the Universal back lot zoff, meanwhile, has of the most interest are a) the Ice Grotto scene, and was tossed out when wagon Larry: How did won a role in Para- where Talbot finds the Monster; and b) the hit a large stone. you get here? mount’s For Whom climactic Monster vs. the Wolf Man battle. Monster (labori- the Bell Tolls. Ice Grotto: A nagging mystery: Why She will not return to complete her role ously): The village Friday, Novem- does Gil Perkins (or is it Eddie Parker?) (per the script, arriving in her problematic people burned the ber 20: Roy William appear as the Monster in the ice, when it carriage to rescue Elsa and Mannering from house down... But I Neill starts shooting is obviously Lugosi in the ice in still 62? A the flooded ruins). fell into that moun- Universal’s Rhythm theory: Based on still numbers, Lugosi’s Indeed, November 5, ’42 has been a very tain stream... I lost of the Islands, star- scene in the ice cavern came very late in bad day on the set. consciousness. ring Allan Jones and the shoot and probably after his November Saturday, November 7: Lugosi is back, as When I woke up... Acquanetta. 5 collapse. He still might have looked ill proven by an autographed Universal commis- He points toward the Monday, Novem- when he returned (he looks a bit dazed in sary menu (also signed this day by Chaney, wall of ice in horror: The debate goes on: Is that Gil Perkins or Eddie Parker hoisting ber 23: Universal starts shot 61), and as this scene presented the Ilona Massey? (The money’s on Perkins.) (Courtesy of Photofest) Abbott and Costello, Deanna Durbin, and Monster (cont’d): Abbott and Costello’s Monster’s introductory close-up, Universal

18 MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #32 SUMMER 2013 19 A rare still of Ilona Massey’s alluring Elsa, about to witness “the perhaps decided to do a retake with Perkins 33 years ago claimed beast battle of the century.” (Courtesy of Buddy Weiss/Photofest) and the references to the Monster’s blindness. bolstered the impres- (or Parker) to provide a more potent first that the Universal Was the editing really necessary? sion of a powerful impression. Don Glut originally proposed powers-that-were, Five Reasons Why: Universal’s order- creature—and here, this sensible explanation in his excellent watching the film’s ing the cuts so quickly after completion of sadly but truly, Lu- 1973 book The Frankenstein Legend. rough cut, laughed the film indicates the studio’s immediate gosi needed all the Battle of the Century: So...was it Gil uproariously when concern. At any rate, let us examine five likely help he could get. Of Perkins as Monster and Eddie Parker as they saw and heard reasons why Universal made its legendary course, the script had Wolf Man, as Perkins told me in 1991? Eddie Lugosi’s Mon - cuts in Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man: called for an enfeebled Parker as both in alternating shots? Why does ster emoting—“It Monster, so Lugosi it appear to be Perkins in Monster makeup sounded,” said Siod- 1. Universal’s Frankenstein’s Monster tradi- did not register the in some shots and Parker in others? mak, “so Hungarian tionally was mute. In , whirlwind power of Ilona Massey recalled retakes, so she funny...!” Others, in Karloff’s dialogue (“The Monster Talks!”) was Karloff’s Monster, the likely was in them. It is possible Universal defense of Lugosi, a PR novelty hoot. In The Ghost of Frankenstein, marble rock power of decided to beef up the battle scene after scoff at Siodmak’s Lugosi’s Ygor voice coming from Chaney’s Chaney’s Monster, or shooting officially closed. It certainly appears account, suggesting Monster (“I am Ygor!”) was a climactic jolt. the elephant-uproot- that Gil Perkins picks up Ilona, but maybe a the cuts came on the ing-a-tree power of retake of Eddie Parker as the Monster, carry- eve of national re- 2. The Monster was supposed to scare audi- ’s Mon- Ilona Massey joins her co-stars... (Courtesy of Photofest) ing Ilona and attacked by the Wolf Man, also lease, after preview ences. Lugosi’s Monster had such lines as ster. Elsa Lanchester’s ended up in the final version. audiences were un- “I’m sick,” “Help me get up,” “I was afraid Bride could easily scratch out his half-blind that sounds like both an old man’s gag and At any rate, the mystery remains, and comfortable with a you’d left me,” and “I was afraid you’d run eyes and hiss in his face while Lugosi’s a crow’s squawk. This spastic, freakishly unless detailed production papers emerge, talking Monster. away.” Furthermore, Talbot calls the Mon- Monster was still saying, “Help me get up.” diminished Monster is what Siodmak had it will endure. In fact, the Monster and Wolf Monday, Decem- ster “weak” and “dumb.” Universal’s most originally envisioned and what Lugosi had Man makeups are so heavy, and most of the ber 21, 1942: A censor- celebrated creature hardly rated such insults. The Curt Siodmak story, long derided, played—a sick, blind, decaying creature battle is filmed in such long shots, that one ship analysis chart rings true. One can imagine Universal “suits” with a new, festeringly evil brain, vainglori- could argue it is Evelyn Ankers as the Mon- (presently on file at 3. As noted in the shooting script excerpts, the viewing a projection room screening of ously lusting to “rule the world,” even as ster and Deanna Durbin as the Wolf Man, the Academy’s Mar- Monster “gropes” too damn much. Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, amazed and he is physically falling into pieces. Such an catfighting in the flooded Frankenstein ruins! garet Herrick Library) appalled by a blind, sick, yakaty-yak Monster interpretation might have been a truly creepy A ridiculous conjecture, but without reviews Frankenstein 4. Curt Siodmak’s dialogue for the Monster with a Hungarian accent, and eventually twist in Universal’s Frankenstein series—es- the production reports, who can definitively Meets the Wolf Man was not only too purple—it slowed down succumbing to gales of laughter. pecially in contrast to the seeing, seething, prove it is not so? as to its content of the pace. The running time of The Ghost of Yet it was not the actor’s fault. For freshly supercharged Monster of the climax. “Hungarian Funny”: In goes the won- liquor, violence, and religious ceremonies. It Archive in 2013 gives Frankenstein Meets the Frankenstein was 67 minutes. The running Bela Lugosi had not played Frankenstein’s “I can’t destroy Frankenstein’s creation,” derful Hans J. Salter musical score—out goes clocks the film at 6,688’—approximately 74.3 Wolf Man’s release print footage as 6,601’. This time of Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, even Monster—he had played the ruins of Fran- says Patric Knowles’ Dr. Mannering. “I’ve got Lugosi’s Monster dialogue. Why this major, minutes. No mention of a talking Monster is computes to approximately 73.4 minutes, and after the cuts, was 73 minutes. kenstein’s Monster. to see it at its full power!” drastic surgery on the completed film? in the synopsis of the analysis. indeed, the release version runs 73 minutes The first time we see (and hear) Lugosi Indeed, one glimpses a vivid peek of this The story Curt Siodmak provided me Meanwhile, the Turner Classic Movie and 10 seconds. As such, it is possible that 5. Cutting the Monster’s cry-baby dia- in the release print of Frankenstein Meets the unholy metamorphosis in the climactic battle 87’ (about 1 minute) was cut logue and the references to his blindness Wolf Man, he is stumbling through the scene close-up of Lugosi, arms stretched to The climax of Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man involved doubles for the four principals. In from the version the censor saw destroyed sanitarium, arms out- his side, grinning wickedly, triumphantly this shot, we see Knowles with Lugosi and (presumably) Chaney... (MFTV Photo Archive) in 1942 (maybe the scene at the stretched, bats (!) flying about him. exulting in his restored Monster strength. hospital, where Inspector Owen He stalks into a piece of debris, So it was this bizarre conception of Fran- examines Talbot’s burial clothes); grimaces, and lets out a sound kenstein’s Monster that had so disastrously it is also possible that the math was slightly off. At any rate, add to this fact that Lugosi’s various dialogue scenes would certainly have run more than 1 minute, and it is clear that Universal had scissored the Monster’s dialogue prior to December 21, 1942. Incidentally, the liquor/vio- lence/religious ceremonies analy- sis chart, rating the characters, lists only “Wolf Man” and “Young Doctor” as “Prominent” roles. As for “Frankenstein’s Monster,” the chart describes him as “minor,” “unsympathetic,” and “straight.” (“Straight,” by the way, suggests no indication of the Monster’s sexual proclivity, but means he As the lab explodes, we see doubles for Knowles, The doubles for Chaney and Lugosi stay on the was not comic or indifferent.) Massey, and Chaney.... (MFTV Photo Archive) job as the fire burns. (MFTV Photo Archive) Conclusion: Universal was quick to cut Lugosi’s dialogue

20 MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #32 SUMMER 2013 21 Chaney strikes a Wolf Man pose for the Bela Lugosi as Frankenstein’s Monster, almost overwhelmed PR boys. (Courtesy of Photofest) by the creature’s shadow. (MFTV Photo Archive) on Saturday and a blast of film draws $28,000; at the Hollywood Para- mangled corpse... horror epic that, in Universal’s cold weather on Monday, mount, $12,000. The combined take equals ...As it is, both Monster and eyes, had emerged as a pants- the crowds are big. “Exactly the September 1942 first-week business at Wolf Man are electrocuted, man- cracking comedy. what the doctor ordered for both theaters of Paramount’s acclaimed gled, and drowned, but it’s getting And, most of all, there this small seater,” reports Best Picture Academy Award® nominee so you can’t trust the movies. Next is Bela Lugosi, desperate- Variety on March 10; “over Wake Island, starring Brian Donlevy (who, in thing you know, Frankenstein and ly accepting a role he had $15,000 in view, socko.” 1966, will marry Lillian Lugosi). The horror the Wolf Man will be meeting Uni- dismissed as worthy of “a The film exceeds the predic- double bill is a holdover, with $11,000 in its versal’s Deanna Durbin. half-wit extra,” forced to fol- tion—the first week’s take second week at the Downtown Paramount low Karloff, giving his all will be $15,500. In its four- and $5,500 at the Hollywood Paramount. Also, a number of small-town ex- as “Ygorstein,” collapsing week sojourn at the Rialto, Not everybody is happy. The state cen- hibitors write to Motion Picture Herald, on the set, gutted in the cut- Frankenstein Meets the Wolf sor in Ohio itemizes a cut: complaining that the film was a dud, their ting room. All the revisionist Man will bring in (accord- patrons wanting no part of “the beast battle theory in the world will not ing to Variety) a walloping Reel 1 (section B)—Where of the century.” Perhaps the most damn- alter the shattering damage $42,000, and the Rialto will Wolf man attacks Officer, allow ing review comes from the manager of the this creature did to the Lugosi stay open from 8:30 a.m. to only flash where he jumps on him Jackson Theatre in Flomaton, Alabama: legacy—both when he did not 4:00 a.m. to accommodate and eliminate entirely scene of him play it in 1931 and when he the crowds. choking him, digging his teeth in Lugosi not a very impressive did play it in 1942. A giant horror hit, Fran- his neck and continued scene of Monster; nothing to compare with A mystery: What did kenstein Meets the Wolf Man him biting him. Karloff. Hope Universal quits mak- Lugosi personally think of surpasses such 1943 Rialto ing this series. Frankenstein Meets the Wolf contenders as Universal’s Ontario and New Zealand demand the Man and his disastrously al- Son of Dracula, starring Lon same cut. Pennsylvania has problems with Part V. Posterity tered portrayal? As he rarely Chaney, Jr. ($40,300); MGM’s Vazec blowing up the dam: “Eliminate Perhaps Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man went to his own films, was he Hitler’s Madman, starring close view of Vazec’s hands about to light is so popular with horror fans because the even aware that the editing John Carradine ($28,500); fuse and lighting fuse.” personal offscreen melodrama has bequeathed had taken place? Did anyone RKO’s Val Lewton chiller Reviews are primarily snide—few the film a special angst of its own. Blackballed at Universal ever tell him of misfired—not Lugosi’s performance, and not The Ghost Ship ($28,100); and Lewton’s I 1943 critics will regard a film titled Fran- Ilona Massey, scandalized and convicted Lionel the editing decision and why they made it? sal shut the gate on Lugosi, who would not even Siodmak’s often-blamed dialogue. The Walked with a Zombie ($19,500). kenstein Meets the Wolf Man with anything Atwill, injured Maria Ouspenskaya, and dying Probably somewhere along the line, return until 1948 in Universal-International’s tragedy was that Universal apparently did Los Angeles: Thursday, July 22: Franken- but cavalier condescension. Typical is this Dwight Frye. Lon Chaney, flanked by Moose Lugosi became aware of the cuts; he certainly Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. not see it that way. Lugosi had collapsed on stein Meets the Wolf Man opens at both the review from Newsweek (March 8, 1943), and agog at Ilona, playing with power and star became aware of Universal’s response to his Lugosi’s alleged remark between the set, required at least two doubles, and 3,389-seat Los Angeles Paramount and the which Jack P. Pierce adds to his scrapbook quality he would never top at Universal. Roy Monster performance. As noted, Universal scenes of Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man possibly given a performance that, physi- 1,451-seat Hollywood Paramount theaters, despite the irreverent tone: William Neill, directing for terror and tragedy starred Lon Chaney, Jr., in Son of Dracula regarding the Monster’s growl—“That yell cally, verbally, and dramatically, struck the supported by Universal’s before the 24-day schedule and production (1943) and then cast John Carradine as is the worst thing about the part. You feel front office as a disaster. (“2nd THRILL HIT! Can You Take It?”). De- ...a double-barreled field day troubles forced the film into near-kitsch. Ed- Dracula in House of Frankenstein (1944) and like a big jerk every time you do it!”—sug- Maybe, the powers-that-were figured spite a one-day trolley car strike and tempera- for those with either a rampant ward Curtiss, challenged to edit and save a (1945). World War II Univer- gests arrogance toward the role. Lillian they would have been better off following tures in the 90s, business is remarkable. In its sense of humor or a facility for Lugosi’s insistence that he did the part the original plan...and starring Lon Chaney first week at the Los Angeles Paramount, the goosepimpling at the drop of a only for the money implies apathy. in both roles...? However, correspondence has recently At any rate, Edward Curtiss will rate a come to light that perhaps gives telling Best Editing Oscar® nomination (but does insight into Lugosi’s emotions about Fran- not get one) for his remarkably smooth kenstein Meets the Wolf Man. was emergency surgery on what Universal had a Universal director whose credits included diagnosed as a critically sick picture. Only the Lugosi serial (1939) in the scene in the ruins where Talbot and and the Lugosi/Atwill feature Night Mon- the Monster find Elsa’s picture do we see, ster (1942). Beebe died on his 90th birthday for a fleeting moment, Lugosi’s mouth (November 26, 1978); that March 19, he had move, forming erased-from-the-soundtrack written a letter to Richard Bojarski, author of dialogue. Yet the overall damage to the per- The Films of Boris Karloff (1974) and The Films formance is severe and inevitable. of Bela Lugosi (1980). Bojarski died in 2009, Considering the role Lugosi had played and the letter is now in the archive of collec- in defining Universal Studios, it is also un- tor John Antosiewicz, who graciously sent forgiveable. me a copy. Beebe’s never-before-published memory of visiting Lugosi near the end of his Part IV. Release, Box Office, and Censorship contract with Universal dates it to the time of Final Cost: $238,071.79. Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, maybe even Press Preview: Thursday, February 18, during its shooting. As Beebe wrote: 1943: The Hollywood Reporter and Variety run favorable reviews the next day. March 5, 1943: Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man opens at New York City’s I never enjoyed working with New York City: Friday, March 5: Franken- Rialto Theater and is a giant hit. Note the names of Chaney and Lugosi The crowd lines up at the Fox Theatre, St. Louis. The Fox offered a war bond to any woman any actor more than I enjoyed stein Meets the Wolf Man opens at the 594-seat dominate the display, not those of “official” stars Ilona Massey and Patric who would sit in the theatre alone at midnight and watch the film. The winner: An 80-year old working with Lugosi. He was not Knowles. (Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) grandmother. (Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) Rialto Theatre on Broadway. Despite rain only a finished craftsman, but he

22 MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #32 SUMMER 2013 23 An almost mystical shot: Chaney’s Talbot in the ruins, and Lugosi’s Monster nearly lost in the darkness. (Courtesy of That Universal Russell A. Gausman. Costume Designer: Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters) Studios in gen- Vera West. Editor: Edward Curtiss. Vi- eral, and prob- sual Effects: John P. Fulton. Associate Art ably his Monster Director: Martin Obzina. Associate Set performance in Decorator: Edward R. Robinson. Sound particular, made Director: Bernard B. Brown. Sound Techni- the immensely cian: William R. Fox. Assistant Director: talented Bela Lu- Melville Shyer. Song: “Faro-La, Faro-Li,” gosi “afraid that music by Hans J. Salter, lyrics by Curt Siod- he had outlived mak. Running Time: 73 minutes. Filmed at his usefulness Universal Studios, October 12 to November with the studio” 11, 1942. Opened at the Rialto Theatre, New and gave him an York City, March 5, 1943. Opened at the “inferiority com- Paramount Los Angeles and Hollywood plex” is surely the theaters July 22, 1943. most frightening thing about Fran- Cast: Ilona Massey (Baroness Elsa Fran- kenstein Meets the kenstein), Patric Knowles (Dr. Frank Wolf Man. Mannering), Lon Chaney, Jr. (Lawrence was a gentleman in every sense Talbot/the Wolf Man), Lionel Atwill of the word. Oddly enough I lived Editor’s Note: Greg Mank’s new book, (the Mayor), Bela Lugosi (Frankenstein’s within half a block of his residence The Very Witching Time of Night: Twists Monster), Maria Ouspenskaya (Maleva), on Whipple Street in North Hol- and Tangents in Classic Horror, will be Dennis Hoey (Inspector Owen), Rex Evans lywood, but not being much of a available in fall 2013 from McFarland (Vazec), Don Barclay (Franzec), Dwight party goer, I never visited him but Publishers. An expanded version of this Frye (Rudi), Harry Stubbs (Guno), Adia once, and that was at his request. chapter appears in the book. Kuznetzoff (the Festival Singer), Beatrice It was near the end of his contract Roberts (Varja), Doris Lloyd (Nurse), Cyril Courtesy of Photofest Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters with Universal and he seemed to Frankenstein Delevanti (Freddy Jolley, Grave Robber), be afraid that he had outlived his Meets the Wolf Man Tom Stevenson (Grave Robber), Torben usefulness with the studio and Studio: Universal. Producer: George Wag- Meyer (Gypsy), Martha MacVicar (Mar- he wanted some assurance to the gner. Director: Roy William Neill. Screen- gareta), David Clyde (Llanwelly police Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man Turns 70! contrary. As a matter of fact, Bela play: Curt Siodmak. Cinematographer: officer), Jeff Corey (Cemetery Caretaker), was a bit unsure of himself, so I George Robinson. Original Music: Hans Charles Irwin (Constable), and Villagers answered his call for help... J. Salter. Makeup: Jack P. Pierce. Art Di- (Sonia Darrin, Lance Fuller). Stunts: Eddie rector: John B. Goodman. Set Decoration: Parker and Gil Perkins. Beebe wrote that he received “the surprise of my life” when he arrived at Lugosi’s house—“It was exactly what one would have expected of Dracula, not Lugosi, to live in.” The interior wood was dark, the blinds drawn, and as Beebe wrote, “It wouldn’t have surprised me to see a slinking ‘undead’ lady creep out of the shadows and dissolve into the woodwork.” Beebe continued:

I’m not at all certain that I was able to assure him as to his standing with the studio, but if not, it was not because of my lack of trying, for I knew exactly how he felt. Like many peo- ple in show business, I, too, have an inferiority com- plex. And Bela was such a consummate artist that he couldn’t bear to think he might not have lived up to the illusion he had been Bela Lugosi as the ruins of Frankenstein’s Monster. (MFTV Photo Archive) Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters Courtesy of Ronald V. Borst/Hollywood Movie Posters trying to establish.

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