The Bride of Frankenstein

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Themes of queer-coding and subtle social commentary in classic horror films, such as 'The Bride of Frankenstein', reflect the director's personal experiences as an out gay man in the 1930s. The subtle references and innuendos in the film's plot, including the controversial depiction of Dr. Frankenstein abandoning his wife on their wedding night, highlighted societal taboos like same-sex relationships that were restricted by the Hayes Code. Despite being nearly a century old, the discussions around these themes still resonate today, especially in regional areas like the southern United States. The speaker's early exposure to classic horror films in a rural South Carolina television series shaped their lifelong passion for the genre, ranging from iconic masterpieces like 'Frankenstein' to cult favorites like 'Attack of the 50 Foot Woman', illustrating the enduring appeal and diverse range of horror cinema.

Frankenstein’s Monster! Hungry ghosts! Moaning bloodsuckers! Goat draining goblins. Babadooks. Gorilla-whales. Slasher films. Body horror… and what these folk stories, films, and fandoms have to do about our hopes and fears. Also yes, you can watch monster movies as a job. Just ask the wonderfully charming and deeply informed Dr. W. Scott Poole, College of Charleston professor and author of “Monsters in America,” who teaches multiple courses on history and monster lore. We also cover: monsters on various continents, monsters as queer icons, horror vs. monsters, secret messages in monster movies, the edits that your government may not have wanted you to see, what to do if you suspect you have one under the bed, Hollywood production secrets, special effects makeup, and — as always — why we’re so horny for ghouls.

Buy W. Scott Poole’s new book: Dark Carnivals: Modern Horror and the Origins of American Empire

Browse more horror and pop culture books by W. Scott Poole including: Wasteland: The Great War and the Origins of Modern Horror, Monsters in America, and In the Mountains of Madness: The Life and Extraordinary Afterlife of H.P. Lovecraft

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