Universal Studios has produced some of the greatest and most iconic monster movies of all time. Beginning in the 1920s, “Universal Monsters” became a household name distinguishing the series of horror, suspense, and science fiction films produced through 1960.
In 1931 Universal brought life to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, though it was different than originally intended. Bela Lugosi (of Dracula fame) was set to star as the Monster with the plan to portray Frankenstein’s Monster as a vicious killer with no regard for life. When director James Whale joined the project he changed the tone drastically, then cast the towering Boris Karloff to play the Monster. Karloff’s size made the Monster intimidating, but his demeanor gave him a childlike, naive quality.
Whale’s interpretation of Shelley’s narrative about the dangers of irresponsible scientific exploration, evolved into a story about a misunderstood misfit who will forever be an outsider. This style was further accentuated by depicting the humans, particularly the crazed scientist Dr. Frankenstein, played by Colin Clive, as desperate monsters. As the make-up artist Pierce completed the Monster’s chilling image by creating his flattop head, bolts in the neck, and grotesque scarring. Pierce’s technique is so beloved by the horror community that it has been duplicated innumerous times on film, television, in books, and Halloween costumes, literally defining the look of the Monster.
To promote the film, a slate of movie poster designs were created to capture the horror and drama of the movie. They enticed audiences to test their bravery by watching the frightening flick and continue to captivate movie poster collectors 90 years later.
Frankenstein movie posters are among the most valuable in the hobby with several crossing the six-figure mark. A style C three-sheet has sold for $358,500, an insert went for $262,900, and one-sheets have sold for between $100,000 and 190,000.
In recent years, a title lobby card has reached $87,500 and a lobby card has brought $13,000.
Even the rerelease posters garner impressive results. The 1938 rerelease three-sheet has sold for $29,000-38,000 and the 1947 rerelease one-sheet can see over $13,000.
To learn more about Universal Monster Movie posters and other collectibles order a copy of The Overstreet Guide to Collecting Horror from gemstonepub.com.