Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man

Once again it's Lon Chaney, Jr. whose sympathetic performance makes this one a fright film worth watching. His ironic longing for death after life after death gives his character a compelling sadness. His return to "life," which has been questioned, could easily be explained by the lore itself (though it's never been mentioned at all in the Universal "universe"): vampires are supposed to be the risen spirits of dead werewolves and, while Chaney is never seen fanged and out for blood (not in FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN, at any rate), that COULD explain his return from the grave. One thing that CAN'T be explained is the continuity problem: here, again (as in THE WOLF MAN), Chaney's clothing changes back and forth as does he. The big brawl between Chaney's wolf man and Lugosi's monster is all too brief and Lugosi really seems wasted in a role where he does little more than lumber around, arms outstretched.

Though not nearly up to the standards and fun level of "Ghost Of Frankenstein", this neat little Universal gem has it's heart in the right place! Wonderful opening sequence in the graveyard, plenty of atmosphere, typically gorgeous Universal studio sets and it's famous monsters! What more can you ask for? Chaney is superb as the tormented Larry Talbot but Bela leaves quite a bit to be desired as the monster. Universal would have been better off using Glen Strange one film earlier instead of waiting for 1944's "House Of Frankenstein". All in all, a fun film that staggers a bit after a rip-roaring start!