Frankenstein

Frankenstein was the title of a gothic novel by Mary Shelley, first published in 1818 (and revised in 1831). The work focused on a scientist's quest to create new life from dead matter, and along with Bram Stoker's Dracula, has become one of the iconic horror texts, adapted into dozens of films. The original 1933 film from Universal Studios, simply titled Frankenstein, starred Boris Karloff as the monster. The term initially referred to the creator, scientist Victor Frankenstein. However, following the film's success, "Frankenstein" has been popularly used to refer to the monster, and make-up artist Jack Pierce's design, of a square-headed, bolt-necked brute in contrast to the only faintly described, intelligent creature in the novel.

The cinematic depiction of the Frankenstein monster, and its 1935 sequel, Bride of Frankenstein, have frequently been spoofed or referenced in Muppet productions.