A review of "Bride of the Monster"

Confessions of a Film Junkie: A Review of “Bride of the Monster”

By: Brian Cotnoir

                One of my favorite classic films is Ed Wood’s 1956 classic “Bride of the Monster”.  “Bride of the Monster” is actually an O.K.  film in my opinion; I’d say it was Wood’s best.                                                 

 The story of “Bride of the Monster” tells the story of Dr. Eric Vornoff, a scientist who’s been performing experiments in his secret laboratory using nuclear power.  Dr. Vornoff and his assistant, Lobo, have nearly perfected a super-human slave when spunky girl reporter named Janet Lawton decides to do an investigation; Lawton is captured and held captive by Dr. Vornoff who intends to use her for his experiments.  Now, there is no one left to stop the cynical Dr. Vornoff or is there?                                        

  Unlike many of Wood’s films the story in “Bride of the Monster” is—at times—well thought out and the use of stock footage is kept to a minimum.  Dr. Vornoff’s secret laboratory looks like an actual laboratory and the only really terrible part of the film is the Doctor’s experimental octopus pet.  The role of Dr. Eric Vornoff is played by none other than Bela Lugosi.  Lugosi was featured in a number of Ed Wood’s films towards the end of his career and he always got top billing in Wood’s films.  What I like about this film is that Lugosi does a great job and proves that even in his later years he still had it.   I especially like Lugosi’s monologue in the scene where a character, known as Professor Strowski, tries to convince Dr. Vornoff to return to his homeland.                                                                                                                  

 Ed Wood may be regarded as the worst director of all-time by some, but when he made “Bride of the Monster” he showed that once he was put in charge and had strong enough financing that he could make an fairly decent film.  For a low-budget film it was pretty good and it is often over-looked. If you ever get a chance to see it, please watch it; the films running time is a little over an hour, but it’s the film that might change some of your negative thoughts and ideas about Edward D. Wood, Jr.