I watched a DVD extra included with the film FRANKENSTEIN CREATED WOMAN. It was entitled "The World of Hammer: The Curse of Frankenstein (#1.10)" and I was surprised to hear that before the Peter Cushing Frankenstein films were made, Hammer had actually made another Frankenstein film (FOUR SIDED TRIANGLE). However, after seeing this film, I can say that this 1994 TV program was way overstating things! While the film did precede the Cushing films and it was directed and co-written by Terence Fisher, it most certainly was NOT a Frankenstein film. While there were a few minor similarities, that is all. Actually, I am glad it isn't one of these films, as FOUR SIDED TRIANGLE is a good film in and of itself.
The film is told in an interesting manner through narration and flashbacks by one of the minor characters--the guardian of the man who creates a woman later in the film. What is really unusual is that at the beginning, this narrator actually addresses the camera like he's talking to us directly. He reminisces about three children he knew years ago. As they grew, he took great interest in them. And, when one was left an orphan, he took him in and raised him.
Most of the story is about the period in the three lives when they are adults. The two men (Robin and Bill) have just returned from Cambridge where they worked on scientific degrees. The girl (Lena) was their childhood chum and she just returned to the UK. The three work together on some strange experiments--experiments that could duplicate matter! When they finally get it to work, they can duplicate watches, gold, anything! However, while this should be a very happy time for Bill, it isn't because at the time the experiment is unveiled, Robin and Lena announce they are going to be married--leaving the smitten Bill out of luck.
Here is where a passing similarity to Frankenstein comes into it. Bill works feverishly with the machine to make it possible to duplicate living things. At first, it is a failure. But, when he's able to perfect the device, he asks Lena if she will allow herself to be copied--thereby allowing him to marry a duplicate Lena and everyone will live happily ever after. Unfortunately, things don't work out as planned and you'll have to tune in to see for yourself. However, understand that it is NOT a horror film but more a film about ethics and romance.
Overall, a truly fascinating tale that is improved by great acting, writing and direction. This film is very well made and is frankly better than most of Hammer's films, so comparing it to the Frankenstein franchise does it a bit of a disservice.
By the way, the documentary I mentioned above is included on the DVD as well as in FRANKENSTEIN CREATED WOMAN. I can't see why they included this inaccurate TV show with FOUR SIDED TRIANGLE.
The film is told in an interesting manner through narration and flashbacks by one of the minor characters--the guardian of the man who creates a woman later in the film. What is really unusual is that at the beginning, this narrator actually addresses the camera like he's talking to us directly. He reminisces about three children he knew years ago. As they grew, he took great interest in them. And, when one was left an orphan, he took him in and raised him.
Most of the story is about the period in the three lives when they are adults. The two men (Robin and Bill) have just returned from Cambridge where they worked on scientific degrees. The girl (Lena) was their childhood chum and she just returned to the UK. The three work together on some strange experiments--experiments that could duplicate matter! When they finally get it to work, they can duplicate watches, gold, anything! However, while this should be a very happy time for Bill, it isn't because at the time the experiment is unveiled, Robin and Lena announce they are going to be married--leaving the smitten Bill out of luck.
Here is where a passing similarity to Frankenstein comes into it. Bill works feverishly with the machine to make it possible to duplicate living things. At first, it is a failure. But, when he's able to perfect the device, he asks Lena if she will allow herself to be copied--thereby allowing him to marry a duplicate Lena and everyone will live happily ever after. Unfortunately, things don't work out as planned and you'll have to tune in to see for yourself. However, understand that it is NOT a horror film but more a film about ethics and romance.
Overall, a truly fascinating tale that is improved by great acting, writing and direction. This film is very well made and is frankly better than most of Hammer's films, so comparing it to the Frankenstein franchise does it a bit of a disservice.
By the way, the documentary I mentioned above is included on the DVD as well as in FRANKENSTEIN CREATED WOMAN. I can't see why they included this inaccurate TV show with FOUR SIDED TRIANGLE.