"Where there is no imagination there is no horror." -Arthur Conan Doyle

Bride of Frankenstein (James Whale,1935) is another great horror film from the "golden age" of Hollywood horror films coming out with its traditional storyline. Being the sequel to Whale's Frankenstein, the two films could easily been one as both are short and carry on well. However differences such as the sound and changes in character make each great as individual films. Both films have been influenced by German expressionism in there sets and lighting in particular. In Bride of Frankensein the monsters character has progressed and seems more human and aware of what is going on. This is shown in his actions and now he can speak some small words. The audience once again feels for the monster as well as still holding the role of a scary monster. The audience can see his happiness in finding a friend in the blind man and his sadness when even his bride is frightened of him.

"And lo, the beast looked upon the face of beauty. And it stayed its hand from killing. And from that day, it was as one dead."- Old Arabian Proverb

King Kong (Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack, 1933) stands as being a very influential monster/horror film. The special effects are impressive for the time. The stop-motion scenes with the creatures are detailed which would have terrified an audience of the time and even today are quite impressive and a bit intimidating. The character of Kong shows a horrifying beast but towards the end the audience starts to feel for the monster and see his side. This is shown well through the special effects and stop motion of the creature. The story-line addresses the "Beauty and the Beast" theme as well as the contrast between city and nature. King Kong has had a large influence on filmmakers since with the use of special effects and innovations as well as the theme of sci-fi giant beast with films such as Godzilla (Roland Emmerich, 1998) and Mighty Joe Young (Ron Underwood, 1998). An enjoyable film, if not only for the transformation of technology in film, for the intriguing story-line.

"The true subject of the horror genre is the struggle for recognition of all that our civilization represses and oppresses"- Robin Wood

Frankenstein (James Whale, 1931) has to be one of, if not the, greatest and important horror films of all time. Being part of the"golden age" of Hollywood horror films, the story line follows the traditional horror film narrative consisting of a scientist playing with humans, life and death by making a monster who becomes uncontrollable and having to face him in a monster meets maker fight scene. As well as the girl who is terrorised and the angry mob of town people chasing the beast. The sound in Frankenstein really makes the movie. The lack of music adds to the tension in creating an eerie mood which also emphasises the sound effects. The film has expressionist qualities which help with the scary atmosphere. Boris Karloff portrays the creature well. We are scared and intimidated by him yet feel sympathy.

"A yawn is a silent shout. "- Gilbert K. Chesterton

The Phantom Of The Opera (Rupert Julian, 1925) is one classic early film of the silent era and horror genre. Unlike other silent films The Phantom of the Opera is easy to watch with plenty of action going on. Even without sound the audience feels Erik's emotions through his movements and facial expressions. The make up on Erik is very good especially for the time conveying an ugly and scary phantom. The under-lighting of him in scenes add to this eerie mood. The sets of the under ground chambers also give a cold and spooky atmosphere to the film. Once again the acting seems over the top however this is expected in a film from 1925. The story line consists of traditional horror genre techniques as well as "Beauty and the Beast" and "V for Vendetta" themes.

"Horror is beyond the reach of psychology." -Theodor Adorno

The thing that makes The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (Robert Wiere- 1919) a great film is the
expressionistic sets. Even for it's time it still holds as being very fascinating film introducing expressionism to the cinema. Expressionists are not interested in producing the outer reality, rather the ‘inner life’. The film is shot in a studio giving the director more control over the set, lighting and camera work. This new ephasise on the lighting, set and costumes gave the art director a more important role in the film making process.

Although the story is quite traditional, it is filmed in a non-traditional way. Like Melies' "Trip to the Moon" is filmed in an unrealistic way that exaggerates reality. The strange irregular painted sets, unexpected camera angles, expressionistic lighting, dark shadows and high contrasts create a eerie mood and a mad world. This all helps emphasise the story being shown through the eyes of a mad man.

Robert Wiere is thought of as the father of horror films starting the traditional Hollywood horror film genre consisting of a mad doctor, monster he creates and girl they terrorise and influencing other expressionist films such as Dracula (Tod Browning- 1931), Frankenstein (James Whale- 1931), Hitchcock films and film noir. An extremely artistic film and another classic in the history of cinema making it a must see for film historians, even if it is only watched for its non realistic, stylised component.