Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of 'Bride of Frankenstein'

90 years ago on April 20, 1935, Universal Pictures introduced the public to one of the most recognizable Universal Monsters of all time, the Bride of Frankenstein. Adapted from Mary Shelley's classic novel, the sequel features Boris Karloff reprising his role as the silver screen's most misunderstood monster who now longs for a mate starring Elsa Lanchester in the titular role.

The History of Bride of Frankenstein

Universal began planning a sequel to Frankenstein soon after its 1931 release, revising the film’s ending to allow Henry Frankenstein to survive. Although James Whale initially refused to return as director, he eventually agreed after negotiating to direct another film and decided to approach Bride of Frankenstein with dark humor rather than replicate the original’s horror tone. Multiple writers worked on early drafts, including Robert Florey and Tom Reed, but the final script, developed by William J. Hurlbut, incorporated the Monster’s demand for a mate—a plot point from Mary Shelley's novel—and featured a unique prologue where Mary Shelley tells the story, also played by Elsa Lanchester. 

Makeup artist Jack Pierce redesigned the Monster’s look to show the aftermath of the windmill fire and collaborated with Whale to create the Bride’s now-iconic Nefertiti-inspired hairstyle. Special effects reused and expanded on the original film’s elaborate lab equipment, with innovative miniature work for scenes involving tiny humanoid creations. Composer Franz Waxman scored the film with three distinct themes and a jarring final chord to match the explosive ending, completing the recording in a single session. 

Filming began in January 1935, but production ran over time and budget due to cast injuries and delays. The original ending, in which Henry dies, was re-shot to let him live, and Whale completed his final cut just days before the premiere.

The Legacy of Bride of Frankenstein

Bride of Frankenstein premiered on April 19, 1935, in San Francisco and went into general release the following day. The film was a success for Universal, eventually earning around $2 million by 1943—roughly $36.3 million today—with a profit of nearly $950,000. Variety and Time offered high praise, lauding the film’s direction, performances, and technical achievements. Karloff’s emotional performance as the Monster, Thesiger’s diabolical Pretorius, and Lanchester’s dual role as Mary Shelley and the Bride were singled out for acclaim. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Sound Recording and was widely appreciated for its macabre tone, strong visual style, and Whale’s unique direction.

Over the decades, the film’s reputation has only grown. In 1998, it was inducted into the U.S. National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Critics often identify it as James Whale’s masterpiece and one of the greatest gothic horror films ever made. It has received high praise from modern outlets such as Time, Empire, and Entertainment Weekly, and was included in Time's "All-Time 100 Movies." Roger Ebert added it to his “Great Movies” list, highlighting its subversive themes and the Bride’s iconic appearance. The film is now often regarded as a rare sequel that surpasses its original, celebrated for its artistry, emotional depth, and lasting impact on cinema.

Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe

On May 22, Universal – the pioneer of the horror genre – will bring its timeless monsters to the present day with the debut of Dark Universe – one of the five immersive worlds featured at the all-new Universal Epic Universe. The most mysterious world of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, this captivating new land will envelop guests in monstrous adventures across various attractions, shops, restaurants and character meet and greets that will thrill everyone from families to classic Monster fans alike. 

Created by the award-winning Universal Creative team in partnership with Universal Pictures, Dark Universe blends the iconic stories of unearthly legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and more with a new generation of monsters and characters, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments. As guests venture through Darkmoor – the ravaged village within Dark Universe – they’ll encounter the characters and subjects of those experiments within a first-of-its-kind theme park environment that offers family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity in a way that only Universal could achieve. 

Dark Universe's Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience

At Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, skilled artisans transform guests’ appearances so they can showcase their fandom for the Universal Monsters including the Bride of Frankenstein. They can choose from a face makeup experience or transformation with makeup and accessories.

Dark Universe's Meet the Monsters

There’s always someone…or something…looming in the shadows of Dark Universe – including Monsters who are eager to meet and greet everyone from kids to adults, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein.

Bride of Frankenstein 90th Anniversary Products

In honor of the 90^th anniversary of the film, Universal Products & Experiences have released a plethora of new products inspired by the iconic character herself with more to come throughout the year. Check out these products and much more.

Bride of Frankenstein Faux Pearl Ring

Learn more at shop.UniversalOrlando.com

Dark Universe faux pearl ring featuring a beautiful and detailed design inspired by the classic film Bride of Frankenstein.

Bitty Monsters Blind Box Figure

Learn more at shop.UniversalOrlando.com

Dark Universe blind box featuring the adorable Bitty Monsters. Each box contains one mystery Bitty Monster figure. Collect all 7!

Bride of Frankenstein Adult Bucket Hat, Bride of Frankenstein Molded Mug and More

Learn more at shop.UniversalOrlando.com

Universal Monsters adult bucket hat featuring a design inspired by the Bride of Frankenstein’s iconic hair with embroidered white streaks and a vibrant red interior lining.

Universal Monsters molded mug featuring a frightening image of the Bride of Frankenstein with “Beautifully Dramatic” across the back. Includes a red interior and detailed lightning bolt handle.

Universal Monsters Tarot Deck and Guidebook

Learn more at Insight Editions

Bring the spooky spirit of classic movie monsters to your tarot readings with this cinematic spin on the traditional tarot deck! Featuring stunning original artwork inspired by classic tarot iconography, this 78-card deck depicts spine-chilling characters, imagery, and themes from the legendary Universal Pictures monster films, from Boris Karloff’s Frankenstein and Bela Lugosi’s Count Dracula to the Wolf Man, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more! Comprising both major and minor arcana, the deck also comes with a helpful guidebook explaining the meaning of each card as well as a few simple spreads for easy readings. Packaged in a deluxe collectible box, it’s a gift that will wow horror film fans and tarot enthusiasts alike!

Loungefly The Bride Of Frankenstein Unisex Hoodies

Learn more at Loungefly

What a beautiful fright! This Bride of Frankenstein hoodie features a stunning rendition of Frankenstein’s bride and Frankenstein in stained-glass portrait style. Together, they share a moment in the spotlight as a diagonal “split screen.” A line of embroidery “stitches” the two portraits together on the diagonal. On the back, the Bride of Frankenstein’s lightning bolt stripes appear near the top as a layered element. Tour your favorite haunts or revive your spirits at the movie theater in style with this comfy hoodie.

Pop! Bride of Frankenstein (Deco)

Learn more at Funko

Prepare for a hair-raising romance with Pop! The Bride of Frankenstein™! Conduct a shocking wedding in your Universal Monsters collection when you walk this ghoulish bride down the aisle in her striking deco motif. 

The Bride of Frankenstein: Monster T-Shirts

Learn more at Gutter Garbs

Officially licensed The Bride of Frankenstein Universal Monsters horror movie t-Shirts. With artwork by Sam Coyne, this t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more.

Super7 Super Cycles: Bride of Frankenstein (White w/ Blue Trike)

Learn more at Super7

Inspired by Universal Pictures’ classic monster, this vintage-style plastic and tin wind-up tricycle toy features a 5” soft vinyl Bride of Frankenstein in the driver’s seat, colorful wheels, and a functioning bell above the back tire! The internal wind-up mechanism drives the tricycle and rings the bell, so just wind it up and let ‘er rip! Take a ride down memory lane, with the Super Cycle of Universal Pictures’ classic monster Bride of Frankenstein! Features plastic tricycle with tin wind-up gearbox, wheels and bell, and a soft-vinyl rider; bell rings while in motion.

19 Crimes Wine x Universal Monsters - Bride of Frankenstein

Learn more at 19 Crimes

Limited Edition 19 Crimes x Universal Monsters comes to life in the dark! Every bottle tells a story. Scan the QR code on the back of the bottle, point your camera at the front label and watch 19 Crimes x Universal Monsters come to life! Bride of Frankenstein Red Blend is full and round on the palate with a distinct sweetness giving a rich and balanced mouthfeel. The vanilla aromatics carry through on the palate and complement subtle flavors of chocolate and cedary spice. The palate finishes soft and fruity with a pleasant lingering freshness.