Frankenstein Created Woman (1967) Terence Fisher

A dead and frozen Baron Frankenstein is re-animated by his colleague Dr. Hertz proving to him that the soul does not leave the body on the instant of death. His lab assistant, young Hans, is found guilty of murdering the local pub owner with whom he had an argument where he foolishly swore to kill the man and Frankenstein acquires his body immediately after the execution. Hans had been quite friendly with the dead man's daughter Christina who returns just in time to see him guillotined. Distraught, she commits suicide and is brought back to life by the good Doctor but with Hans' brain replacing her own. As memories return to her - Hans' memories in fact - she sets out to pursue and kill those responsible for having sent him to his death.

Director Terence Fisher relates the engrossing story at a stately pace, meticulously crafts a flavorsome period atmosphere, and keeps things classy and involving throughout. The smart script by Anthony Hinds offers an intriguing central debate on the morals and perils of man playing god. The characters are neatly delineated: Hans and Christina make for charming leads while the villains are appropriately mean and hateful. Christina's conflict about her identity adds a surprisingly poignant element of pathos. Thorley Walters contributes a stand-out turn as Frankenstein's kindly and bumbling assistant Dr. Hertz. Peter Blythe likewise excels as ruthless cad main bad guy Anton. Peter Madden makes the most out of his regrettably small part as a stern chief of police. Both Arthur Grant's sharp cinematography and James Bernard's robust score are up to speed. A worthy Hammer item.