Many Lives of ‘Frankenstein’ Found on Video

Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without a visit with the big bolt-headed guy himself, Frankenstein’s monster. And with Allhallows Eve just a scant six days away, it’s the perfect time to check out several film incarnations of Mary Shelley’s 19th century Gothic novel. We just dare you to watch these with the lights off!

Although it’s not the first version of Shelley’s classic, James Whale’s 1931 “Frankenstein” (MCA/Universal) is the most famous. Boris Karloff made an indelible impression as the terrifying, confused monster created by Dr. Henry “It’s Alive” Frankenstein (a nervous Colin Clive). Several super-scary scenes that were originally cut have been restored. Mae Clark and John Boles also star.

Even better is Whale’s 1935 sequel “Bride of Frankenstein” (MCA/Universal). This time around, the good Dr. F (Clive) creates a bride (Elsa Lanchester) for his lonely, love-starved monster (Karloff). Terrific fun, with lots of humor and chills--and check out the bride’s nifty hairdo. Ernest Thesiger also stars as a bizarre doctor.

Karloff made his last appearance as the monster in the nifty 1939 “Son of Frankenstein” (MCA/Universal, $15). Basil Rathbone plays the late doctor’s son, who returns to his father’s stark castle and becomes obsessed with reviving the monster. Bela Lugosi and Lionel Atwill also star. A great companion piece is Mel Brooks’ daffy 1974 spoof “Young Frankenstein” (Fox, $15).

Lon Chaney Jr. sheds his Wolfman fur to play the monster in the entertaining 1942 entry “The Ghost of Frankenstein” (MCA/Universal, $15). Lugosi also is on hand as his deformed sidekick, Ygor.

In 1942’s “Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman” (MCA/Universal, $15), Lugosi takes his one and only stab at playing the monster. In this chilling outing, the Werewolf (Chaney) discovers that Dr. Frankenstein is dead but that his creation is alive and well.

In 1944’s so-so “House of Frankenstein” (MCA/Universal, $15), Karloff plays an evil scientist who escapes from prison and, with the help of his hunchback servant (Lugosi), revives the monster, Dracula and the Wolfman.

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello hit box-office gold with the joke-filled 1948 horror comedy “Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein” (MCA/Universal, $15). The boys play baggage clerks who deliver a mysterious crate to a wax museum, which, unbeknown to them, contains the not-so-dead remains of Frankenstein and Dracula. Chaney, Lugosi and Glen Strange also star.

Halloween II: “Houdini” (Unapix, $20) is a goose-bump eerie documentary on the famed magician, who died 70 years ago on Allhallows Eve. Included are rare archival footage and interviews with associates and historians. Great fun.

Re-TV Video Library is offering “Kolchak: The Night Stalker--Collector’s Edition.” The 1974-75 ABC series starring Darren McGavin as a reporter solving supernatural crimes was “The X-Files” of the ‘70s. The first volume is $5; subsequent volumes are $20. To order, call (800) 638-2922.

If you loved the flesh-eating zombie classic “Night of the Living Dead,” you’ll devour George Romero’s 1978 sequel, “Dawn of the Dead” (Anchor Bay, $15). The new two-volume set features the never-before-seen director’s cut and a variety of international trailers.

Coming Next Week: Disney’s “Toy Story” ($27) is the award-winning, computer-animated comedy about a pull-string cowboy named Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) and a spaceman figure named Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen) who vie for the affections of a 6-year-old boy.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Vanessa Williams star in the action thriller “Eraser” (Warner Home Video).

Alec Baldwin, Teri Hatcher and Mary Stuart Masterson star in the film noir “Heaven’s Prisoners” (New Line).

“Man of the Year” (Fox Lorber) is the acclaimed mock documentary based the real experiences of actor, model and filmmaker Dirk Shafer.

Robin Wright and Morgan Freeman star in the period drama “Moll Flanders” (MGM/UA).

“Half Moon” (First Run) dramatizes three stories from novelist Paul Bowles.

“Johnny 100 Pesos” (Fox Lorber) chronicles the true story of a Chilean teenager who commits his first armed robbery. . . . Also new: “Lone Justice: Showdown at Plum Creek” (Orion), “H.P. Lovecraft’s Necronomicon” (New Line) and “Head of the Family” (Pulp Fantasy).