1935 – Elsa Lanchester – Bride of Frankenstein

As I claimed several times, this is the ultimate monster role for an actress in the history of world cinema. Yes, there are many vengeful female Japanese ghosts floating around, alongside a couple of Mexican crying women (La Llorona) and many other vampire fiancées or possessed teenagers. But this unique part in Universal’s legendary horror series was destined to be perceived as the definitive monster representing the weaker sex.

Masterfully portrayed by eccentric performer Elsa Lanchester, the Bride’s unique appearance as not aged one bit after more than 70 years. Pop culture still pays her homage to this day and rightfully so. That campy bird-like Egyptian look would still turn heads at any chic drag queen nightclub. Only a performer as eccentric and unique as Elsa Lanchester could pull it off, blending pathos with her distinctive sense of British humor (she was actually inspired by London swans!). She remains one of the best supporting players to ever grace the big screen, at ease either in an historical drama or an Elvis Presley musical.

On your next (or first) viewing of James Whale’s classic, think about all the homosexual subtext running around in this brilliant 75 minutes piece of black & white cinema. Here’s a genial essay on the production. The enjoyably grotesque finale of Bride of Frankenstein is still considered the ultimate blind date nightmare (as is a similar scene in David Lynch’s Eraserhead). Talk about feelings of rejection… Elsa was billed in the credits as “The Monster’s Mate…?” Finally, what would have happened if previous prestigious actresses under consideration for the role (like Louise Brooks or Brigitte Helm) had actually got the part?

Next time: She walks around in a bathrobe, wears a mask, doesn’t say much, owns a lot of dogs and is the star of… a French horror movie?