When you hear the name Frankenstein, the 'monster' image probably appears as a mask for Halloween or any of the many movies of which he was/is the star: the silent film era, 1910-1921; a film series by Universal Studios, 1931-1997 (plus TV); a film series by Hammer Film Productions, 1957-1974; other adaptations, 1973-2015; plus the loose adaptations (mostly spoofs), 1958-1985. He has indeed been (still is) one popular 'man-made man' so to speak. Of course, movies are not his origin. He was not cast from some screenwriters imagination. Rather, the horror novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley was the inspiration behind the scenes. But why celebrate Frankenstein in August?
August 30 is...
There are actually three known "days' of celebration for Frankenstein, and as a result, a little confusion. Days of horror honor for our monster icon include Frankenstein Day, Frankenstein Friday, and National Frankenstein Day.
Frankenstein Day is on August 30th of each year. This day is in honor of author Mary Shelley (née Wollstonecraft Godwin) who was born on August 30,1797. Shelley is the author of the original "Frankenstein " published in 1818. This day honors her birthday.
Frankenstein Friday is the last Friday in October. Some references trace its origin back to a website on Frankenberry cereal, which suggests a commercial connection. Recently, the creator came forward and told us about this special day that he created. More on Frankenstein Friday.
National Frankenstein Day shows on Google as October 29th. No verification has been established that this as a true National Day. Latest research suggests this day is really Frankenstein Friday as noted above.
Happy Birthday, Mary Shelley!
(August 30, 1797 - February 1, 1851)
Why has Shelley’s story survived and thrived for over 200 years? “She
articulated our desire for, and fear about, the transgression of
fundamental boundaries,” he says, “between vitality and dead matter, the
human and the inhuman, ideal aspiration and monstrous consequence.”
~Ronald Levao, co-editor of “The Annotated Frankenstein” (Harvard Univ. Press)
~Ronald Levao, co-editor of “The Annotated Frankenstein” (Harvard Univ. Press)
The most well-known image of Frankenstein's monster in popular culture derives from Boris Karloff's portrayal in the 1931 movie Frankenstein, with makeup created by Jack Pierce from possibly crucial sketched suggestions by director James Whale (credit for Karloff's look remains controversial). Karloff played the monster in two more Universal films, Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and Son of Frankenstein (1939).
Actor
Boris
Karloff, the monster, 1931 version of Frankenstein
Frankenstein . Edgar Winters Group . 1973
New Frankenstein movie, January 2014
Let us not forget the Mel Brooks smash hit in 1974...
Young Frankenstein
If you have not seen the movie Young Frankenstein, watch it in celebration of Frankenstein Day for you have missed a classic! If you are among those who have watched the movie, what a great day to see it once again.
Happy horrors to you in August!
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