Tales of Frankenstein (2018)

[bunniefuu]

(mystical music)

[Narrator] The legend of Frankenstein is known throughout the world, as recorded by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley in her classic novel, how more than two centuries ago a scientist named Victor Frankenstein created from corpses and brought to life an immortal monster.

But the story of Frankenstein was just the beginning.

There have been others, some bearing the Frankenstein name, who have followed in Victor's unorthodox footsteps.

There are many Tales of Frankenstein.

These are some of them.

(dramatic music)

(grunts)

Victor Frankenstein.

(birds chirping)

[Irma] I want to remember my (speaks foreign language) Gregore, though as not to repeat the mistake of your infamous ancestor.

Follow my instructions.

If my theory and technique are correct, the brain, once transplanted and reactivated, should retain all of the memories, skills, and feelings of its former owner.

I remain your colleague, Dr. Irma Reichman.

Dr. Irma Reichman.

The fraud of Frankenstein, the other children call me.

My teacher, Master Thomas, the self-styled man of faith, he told me that I was born with this twisted body because of your sin, cousin Victor, because of what you did a century ago.

But not this time.

No murders, no revenge, no horror.

In addition to your notes, I also have Irma's.

When my, my Adonis awakens and takes his first breath,

they will see that basically you were right, and respect the name of Frankenstein once again.

There's only one vital component that is lacking.

(mysterious music)

Just one.

Good.

[Irma] Again, Dr. Frankenstein, I appreciate your regarding my knowledge, skills, experience, and reputation concerning the human brain with such high esteem.

Please continue our correspondence, but for now, I remain your colleague and friend.

Dr. Irma Reichman.

My (speaks foreign language) Gregore, your self description reads so incongruous with the beauty of your written words.

If only we could meet, but my health precludes that from happening.

Ugh, Gregore, the cancer has taken its toll.

If only circumstances had been different, we might have shared a love, one of mind more than body.

But fate can be capricious and cruel.

I have already taken measures to ensure that my one properly functioning organ be real to you.

Study it, use it.

If you need to, experiment with it.

In that way, we will remain together.

Goodbye for now, (speaks foreign language), Irma.

I love you, too.

(phone buzzes)

Yes, Hussman.

What?

You say you have it?

I-I'll be right over.

(upbeat music)

Ah, Herr Frankenstein.

Uh, yeah, yeah.

Sorry, Dr. Frankenstein.

Prompt as always.

Are you sure it is him?

And sweet as a summer's apple, so to speak.

Nothing like a good apple, I say, at least until the worms get at it, if you know what I mean.

Professor Hans Broedecker, how well I remember the day you booted me out of the university for my ideas.

Heresy, blasphemy you called it.

(scoffs in disgust)

Smartest man in Bavaria, so they tell me.

Present company excluded.

Kicked the bucket just this morning after his first class, right there on the stairs.

Was it rare?

Bad ticker.

Never came close to bumping the ol' noggin on the way down.

Herr Frankenstein.

(Gregore scoffs in disgust)

(coughs pointedly)

Sorry, I'm not as rich as my late cousin.

I can see this here one's special, and you know the risks I've been taking for the likes of you.

So, as they say, business before pleasure.

(dramatic music)

(speaks foreign language)

(grunts)

[Gertrude] What the--

[Gregore] Oh, so sorry, madam.

Out of all the clumsy--

Miss?

Oh.

How's business?

Like always, Gertrude.

(man laughing)

Good morning, (speaks foreign language).

Good morning.

You should pick me.

You should take both of us.

Um, maybe just her.

[Gertrude] No pretty Frau to keep you warm tonight?

Helga!

My beautiful, my beautiful Helga, Fraulein Helga.

Now, now, now, now, what's wrong with you?

[Helga] Come back tomorrow, Franz!

You know my marks are good. Maybe.

Huh, I don't care too much about your-- Don't touch me!

Franz!

Don't you touch her, you (speaks foreign language).

(Gregore yells)

The rat!

(Gregore screams in pain)

(Gregore grunts)

(dramatic music)

(cries)

I am now as ugly as the monster you created, Cousin Victor,

but that should not matter to my Irma, who loves me for my brain.

I am sorry, my Adonis.

You have waited a long time, you can wait awhile longer.

[Irma] Won't remember, my (speaks foreign language), Gregore.

The brain, once transplanted and reactivated, should retain all the memories, skills, and feelings of its former owner.

The feelings, feelings, feelings.

(women chattering)

(woman laughing)

(fire crackling)

(women screaming)

(phone buzzing)

What is it, Hussman?

[Hussman] I'm assuming you haven't heard, Dr. Frankenstein?

Heard, what?

Speak up, man, it's the middle of the night.

Nasty fire at the music hall, during a rehearsal.

So hot it melted the door locks.

Poor babies, they must regret their decision to leave Paris.

Most of them croaked choking on the smoke, so there's not too much damage.

Fascinating.

Well, except for what got burned, none of them too hard on the eyes.

Unless of course one's picky.

(Gregore grunts in disgust)

Well, there are one or two exceptions.

See anything that strikes your fancy, or should I just Christmas wrap the lot of them?

(dramatic music)

(lips smacking)

(thunder cracking)

(electronic buzzing)

Good, good.

Let the spirit and knowledge, along with my dearest Irma, guide me.

And pray that when she wakes up to a perfect body

that I've created, the body of Venus, that she still remembers.

[Irma] If only circumstances had been different, we might have shared a love, one of mind more than body.

(thunder crashing)

(electronic buzzing)

(liquids burbling)

(clock ticking)

Irma, Irma, my creation!

Irma, don't you know me?

What I've done for you, for us?

Oh, your vocal chords, they won't function for awhile.

They need time to heal.

You're young again, perfect in every way.

Oh, oh, what is it, the scars?

Don't worry, it won't be long until they're healed also.

I've seen to that.

Irma, don't you know me?

It's, it's Gregore.

I don't understand.

The brain should be functioning perfectly.

Do-don't you recognize me, (speaks foreign language)?

You do recognize me.

My love.

(Gregore chokes)

(speaks foreign language)

(flesh squishing)

(tranquil music)

Gregore.

Gregore, my (speaks foreign language).

Your vocal chords will heal, as will your scars.

Just give time.

My beloved.

(grunting)

(crickets chirping)

(dramatic music)

The grave death.

It's the plague that rots the flesh.

Should you really be doing that?

Now please, Sylvie, don't lecture me anymore, this is everything I need to calm my nerves. I know, I know, Elsa, but it's just the thought of my skin turning gray and withering, I, I just. I know.

Oh, forgive us, Frankenstein.

We, we didn't mean anything.

It's all right, I've learned to cope with tragedy.

Oh, as have I.

And still no cure.

I wonder if our village will ever be rid of the curse--

Yes, before it puts us all in our graves.

My husband said it's carried by the wind.

No matter what the cause is, one can't be too careful.

Every night when I go to bed with the dread that when I awaken in the morning, beside my dear Claus.

Or look into the mirror.

Well, I must be off now, I've got my chores to do.

We'll see you later, Frau Frankenstein, at the funeral.

Yes, we'll be there for you.

Good day, Frau Frankenstein.

Good day.

(intense music)

(phone rings)

Hello?

Who?

Oh, hello Vincent.

I wish to express my condolences, Frau Frankenstein, for your loss.

(Lenore speaks foreign language)

I know that you and my late husband weren't exactly friends, but I--

That's not my main reason for calling.

It's about the ring.

The ring?

You want to buy it?

With all due respect, Frau Frankenstein, your husband has no further use for it.

But I on the other hand, well...

Just name your figure.

I-I'm sorry Vincent, but the ring is not for sale, at any cost.

You see, it was Helmut's request that we...

You did what?

(cat purring)

(birds chirping)

(chuckles)

All right already, no need to wake the dead.

Although that is an intriguing idea.

Who is it?

It is I, Vincent.

Ah, Vincent, come in, come in.

Come to see my latest treasure, huh?

Smuggled in from South America just three days ago.

Handsome, isn't, uh, wasn't he? (chuckles)

But I must say he's looking a mite better than you, of late.

What's the matter, my friend?

Johann, I've come to speak with you about a matter of grave importance.

Grave?

I'm interested, which calls for a libation.

Here we are, my friend.

The best amontillado that francs can buy.

It will do you good to put some color back in those cheeks.

Although I dare say, you look like you could benefit also from a thick steak and potatoes.

Just the wine, thank you.

And now, my friend, perhaps you can explain this pale countenance and those trembling hands.

You look like you've seen a ghost.

No ghost, Frankenstein.

Frankenstein?

Oh, you mean your former neighbor, not the monster that his famous ancestor was supposed to have stitched together?

But Herr Frankenstein lies moldering in his grave, at least last I heard he was.

What I must, what I'm compelled to tell you, begins when Herr Frankenstein was very much alive.

Alive, despised, and feared.

Herr Frankenstein, my neighbor, was a fiend.

Oh, how he enjoyed taunting me, tormenting me.

He knew all about my obsession for precious jewels, for possessing them.

He wore a ring with the most magnificent jewel my eyes had ever beheld.

It was something I had to own for myself.

And though I was willing to pay well for that ring, Herr Frankenstein would not sell it to me for any price.

Frankenstein knew how not owning the ring haunted me, day and night.

But fate was about to intervene.

As you know, people feared Herr Frankenstein, feared my might be conducting diabolic experiments like his forbearer.

But this Frankenstein had no interest in creating monsters.

Must you always taunt our poor neighbor, Helmut?

Vincent means no harm.

Vincent is an idiot, what with all his precious jewels.

Everyone in this town is an idiot.

Mein Gott, I wish we had never left Geneva.

You've forgotten already, husband, that we didn't leave by choice.

Idiots are everywhere.

All right, forget about Vincent.

It's you I'm worried about.

Are you really?

Concerned that I'll outlive you?

Concerned that you'll never get to spend that incredible fortune you married me for?

That I'll get strong and vigorous and stay that way forever?

Victor was right in studying the ancient alchemists, as well as men of science.

Paracelsus, Agrippa, Dippel.

Men who saw the gift that Victor Frankenstein stumbled upon accidentally, and bestowed upon the so-called monster.

I re-discovered that secret, Lenore.

I've extracted it, defined it, isolated it.

All through Victor's notes!

But you can't be serious about trying this concoction on yourself.

It might have the opposite effect, and--

I'm touched by your concern, Lenore.

So maybe after I've become young and immortal, I'll share this gift with you.

But don't worry, I have tested it again and again, on small animals with comparatively short lifespans.

And I assure you there is absolutely nothing that can possibly go wrong.

Yes!

I can feel it already, in every blood vessel, muscle, nerve.

I feel...

Helmut.

I feel, ahh!

Please no, Helmut.

Please, no, oh my God, Helmut!

The great death.

(Helmut moaning)

Why, why, why me?

Why now?

(Lenore gasping)

And may you rest in peace.

Furthermore--

He's all yours now, Frau Frankenstein.

Thank you.

Furthermore, while Herr Frankenstein's ways were a little different, he was still a child of God, who I pray will have mercy upon his immortal soul.

Thankfully you almost weren't--

Thank you for coming.

If you need anything.

Father?

May God protect you, Frau Frankenstein.

So there Herr Frankenstein lies, and still on his finger the damnable ring, the blood red ruby that's become my curse and driven me to the brink of madness.

And you want that ring?

It's the only way I'll ever know peace again.

You'll help me, won't you, Johann?

I don't think I could do it myself, I don't think I have the stomach for it, but you have.

Well, I, I have a shovel, but robbing a grave?

I admit that would be a new experience, even for me, but it's been almost a week, and remember, the plague.

We'll take precautions.

No, I am, I'm sorry, Vincent.

I'm a collector, not a body snatcher.

But have fun!

You know, I wonder which works quicker, the plague or the worms?

(owl hoots)

(shovel scrapes)

(dramatic music)

Buried alive, interesting.

Unless, of course, Herr Frankenstein's potion actually worked.

I heard his heartbeat, it was maddening.

Probably your imagination, or your guilty conscience.

But such strength, that was no imagination.

It was superhuman, supernatural.

Well, I, I think you for your generous gift, old friend.

You know, I once almost acquired an authentic hand of glory, back when I lived in Arkham.

But those pesky government officials, they don't always appreciate such treasures.

Don't let it touch your bare skin.

Of course.

No, I plan to preserve it and display it under glass.

So, now that Herr Frankenstein's wonder drug seems to have run its course, let's celebrate.

Oh, if you don't mind, it's morning, I should be on my way.

I understand, you want to get home, admire your prize, perhaps pose with it in front of the mirror.

As one collector to another, I understand perfectly.

Ah, now where am I going to put you, my lovely?

(chuckles)

(intense music)

(hand scrabbling)

You'll never torment me again.

You hear me?

You stinking, fetid, mass of pestilence.

I'm sorry, did you say something?

Just talking to myself, uh, stupid habit I must overcome.

Good evening, Frau Frankenstein.

Good evening, may I?

Come to pay your respects, I see.

I come to visit my dear Helmut every day.

I prefer coming here at night, it's more quiet.

But what are you doing here at this hour?

It's almost closing time.

I uh--

But since you're here, I'd like to apologize for my late husband's behavior towards you.

It was rude and uncalled for.

It was nothing, Frau Frankenstein.

You know, I really did love him, but...

His brilliant mind.

I'm sure you know by now, the tragic news about your friend.

Johann?

So you don't know.

I am sorry.

It appears as though it wasn't just the pestilence that claimed your friend's life.

There were marks on the throat.

Finger marks, as if strangled by the hand possessing great strength.

(dramatic music)

(breathes heavily)

(crickets chirping)

(hand scrabbling)

(Vincent yells)

Frankenstein, I'd gladly give it back, but...

(Vincent yells)

(blood splashing)

(Vincent grunts)

(thunder cracks)

[Narrator] Out of the past, phantoms of a world gone by speak again the immortal tale, Frankenstein.

[Victor] Be warned, you doctors and scientists who come after me.

Be warned that man must not experiment with the secrets of life.

This creature will live.

[Professor] You're trying to play God, Victor.

It's heresy!

[Victor] It's science.

[Professor] He's hideous.

[Victor] Yes, he's hideous.

[Professor] Have you any idea what kind of horror you've let loose in England?

[Victor] Put that knife down, Professor!

[Professor] No, I can't let, ooh!

(grunting)

Oh, he's got me in the clutch of his hand.

[Victor] Now, what do you expect of me?

[Monster] A companion, a woman, of the same species.

One who will be my friend.

This being you must create.

[Victor] No, I'll not do it.

(car clattering)

Gosh darnit!

(thunder crashes)

It was a heck of a time for my engine to conk out.

There I was, stuck in the middle of nowhere, about to get drowned in Uncle Noah's next flood.

Already the lightning bolts were crashing overhead like hopped up eels at an electrician's convention.

But I suppose it could be worse.

A fine kettle of gefilte for me, Jack Anvil, enemy of criminals, hopheads and other lowlifes.

Fated to die of ammonia like some skid row bum, instead of a more respectable way, like at the business end of some gunzel's 45.

(wolf howling)

(owl hooting)

I doubted I'd find a mechanic this time of night out here in the boondocks, but if I could just get to a phone before the storm clouds opened up.

(knocking on door)

Hello?

Hello?

The set up seemed familiar.

I recalled similar situations that Lamont Cranston and Sam Spade found themselves in on the radio.

Well if it was good enough for them, at least the outside looked friendly enough.

How may I help you?

Where'd they find you, Central Casting?

Sorry to bother you so late, but my jalopy's engine died.

That storm's about to break any second.

Wait here, I will speak with the owner of the house.

Perhaps you may stay the night.

Didn't this guy know Halloween was over?

I felt like I was one of the East Side Kids about to meet Bela Lugosi.

Can I just use your phone?

Maybe there's a local gas station--

I'm sorry, sir, but the phone

is dead.

But if you will wait here.

[Jack] At least he didn't say walk this way.

Can't be too careful.

Burglars, you know.

Yeah, there's plenty around here, so much to steal.

Obviously this dump hadn't been attended to in decades.

It was sorely in need of a woman's touch.

Any woman, even Lady MacBeth.

But at least the joint was dry, and warm.

I just hoped things wouldn't get too hot.

Please, make yourself comfortable.

The doctor will be with you

personally.

Doctor, huh?

Thanks, Jeeves.

Uh, Juana?

Ungawa?

The name is Mogambo, sir.

Sorry, Mogambo.

Where's Larry and chimp?

I couldn't help but notice the painting, maybe of Dr. Jekyl during his college days.

I wonder if the doctor was spying on me through the portrait, with eyes that would follow me wherever I walked inside this mausoleum.

My hat!

Dr. Mortality.

(sighs)

Yes, Mogambo?

I believe we have finally found the one.

At last.

At last.

You know what to do.

(thunder crashes)

(enticing violin music)

[All] Sir.

Could I?

Thank you, that's very nice.

Cigarette?

I'm trying to stop, I hear those things k*ll ya.

Did I say something about a woman's touch?

Like maybe Charlie Chan's number one, two, and three daughters?

You need something warm in your stomach, kind sir.

After being outside in the cold.

We will see to your needs.

I need to be warmed up.

(chuckling)

It is oolong tea, from our homeland.

Very, very hot.

Yes, you are.

The tea, the tea is, Miss, uh, Miss?

Anna May.

Anna Lee.

Anna Lu.

(Jack speaks foreign language)

Very good, very good.

How could I refuse an offer from silky skirts like these?

Besides, the China dolls obviously went for me.

I mean, don't all dames?

And so.

Oh!

(girls laughing)

Women like men with brains.

Yes. Mm, yes.

So uh, who's this guy, the doctor's granddaddy?

(chuckles)

What kind of herbs did you say was in this?

Oolong.

Oh.

The tea felt soothing as it went down the hatch.

Also strange, and I wondered if somebody might have slipped me a Mickey.

Say, babies, what do you say once this storm lets up, the four of us slip out for some chop suey.

I know this place in Chinatown.

Hey uh, who is this guy again?

You admire fine works of art?

Yeah, you could say that.

That portrait is one of my most prized possessions.

You know who that is?

What is this, 20 questions?

Give me a hint.

Dorian Gray's second cousin, once removed.

The guy reminded me of Boris Karloff.

Somehow, as I started to get drowsy, I was getting the feeling that I was about to be removed.

That's Victor Frankenstein, one of the most brilliant scientists the world has ever known, and a great inspiration to me.

Is that so?

I always thought Frankenstein was just some guy in the movies who got mixed up with Abbott and Costello.

I'm told I bear a striking resemblance to Victor, wouldn't you agree, Mr...

Anvil, Jack Anvil, P.I. at your service.

Mr...

Mortality, Dr. Mortality, at your service, Mr. Anvil.

[Jack] I didn't like the sound of that name, Mortality.

It reminded me of death, and that map of his, like some looney from the pages of Black Mask or Weird Tales.

But at that moment, what I thought of this bargain basement Karloff didn't seem to matter.

[Dr. Mortality] Yes, yes, yes.

Is he the one?

The one you've been waiting for?

Waiting so long for, my dearest?

Dearest?

You three?

You're with this creep, all three?

Yes, yes, yes, my lovelies.

He'll do just nicely.

Nicely, do what nicely?

Something wasn't right with this setup.

I knew that rain or not, I had to make a beeline outta here.

Just a few well-aimed sh*ts with my licensed .38 snub nose and I'd be free and out of this madhouse.

But Mr. Michael Fend had already done his dirty work.

You can't escape, Mr. Anvil.

The drug that Anna May gave you will immobilize you for hours.

That'll give me just enough time to preform the operation.

Mogambo, it's time.

As you wish.

[Jack] Although I couldn't move, the gray matter in my noggin still worked like gangbusters.

Besides, the dolls seemed to be on my team.

Maybe they'd grab my heat and bail me outta this insane asylum.

Yeah, maybe.

So, maybe the China dolls didn't go for me as much as I thought.

It wasn't the first time my hunch was a little bit off, or I'd been given the double cross by some good looking dame.

But I was getting the sneaking suspicion that this might be the last.

(grunts)

I was beginning to wonder if this craziness was just a nightmare.

The result of that pastrami sandwich and dill pickle that cute waitress served me back at the diner.

But if that was the case, Jack Anvil, private gumshoe, wasn't laughing.

(thunder crashing)

(Gargantus growls)

I was finally starting to get it.

That crazy as this seemed, this was no gosh darned joke.

You're wasting your time Mr., Mr. Anvil.

But uh, I suppose you're entitled to an explanation.

Gargantus was a gift from Mogambo's tribe.

(Gargantus growls)

I see that my pet likes you, but I must apologize for his uncouth behavior.

You see, he's hungry, and I've been too busy the last few hours to feed my little pet.

[Jack] Little pet?

More like King Kong's big brat.

If I ever needed an assist from Clyde Beatty, this was it.

I hoped that what they said about gorillas being vegetarians was true.

But after he's fed, he's really quite harmless.

I do hope you like Gargantus as much as he likes you, because Gargantus is going to be your new home.

Victor Frankenstein, who's portrait you so admired, once created a living human being by assembling parts of corpses and then bringing alive.

He came to be known as Frankenstein's monster.

(roars)

Simply put, Mr. Anvil, I'm going to remove your brain, your living brain, and transfer it into the head of my ape.

After the operation you're going to be neither man nor ape, but my creation, mine.

Capable of human thoughts and reasoning, but with the strength and power of a Hercules.

Oh, the scientific knowledge that we're gonna glean from this experiment.

Don't worry, Mr. Anvil, I'll be merciful.

You'll sleep soundly, painlessly, mercifully,

but only for awhile.

[Jack] The guy was Section 8, but the reason for his nuttiness wasn't my problem.

There I was, like some poor stiff in a mortuary, waiting for the undertaker to go to work.

Pleasant dreams, hmm?

[Jack] And then the world disappeared.

(serene music)

I may have dreamed of the three Annas, maybe more.

All of us marooned on some remote island, with them all decked out like Maria Montez or Dottie Lamour.

[All] Hi, Jack.

[Jack] And me, the only guy around for thousands of miles.

(relaxing music)

(bird chirps)

All dreams, especially the best ones, can turn into nightmares.

When I finally woke up, I wasn't paralyzed anymore, but moving wasn't easy.

As if I'd put on weight like some fatso let loose in an all you can eat bakery.

My head ached.

There was an empty rumbling in my gut reminding me of the g*nf*re I heard in Normandy back in '44.

Then I remembered every confounded gosh darn detail.

I felt like I needed a haircut, and I was hungry.

And so was Gargantus.

It also finally sunk in that those Anna babes really didn't have a thing for me after all.

What did they see in Dr. Mortality?

Guess I will never understand the opposite gender.

Or should that be species?

Yeah, I was hungry, or Gargantus was.

Maybe the food wasn't a Brown Derby T-bone, but somehow, I was like a starving man at a free smorgasbord.

And yeah, I'd become vegetarian.

And you know, as long as Dr. Mortality and his looney crew continued to feed me, and occasionally clean out my mess, what more could any ape, human brain or not, ask for?

So as far as Jack Anvil, former P.I. was concerned, the case of the mad house of death was closed.

But only one thing I still couldn't understand.

Those three China dolls, they really were that creep's girlfriends?

Heck, I shoulda got more chummy with that waitress back at the diner.

I knew she liked me.

(thunder crashes)

(wolf howls)

(eerie music)

I call upon you, Victor Frankenstein, that your immortal spirit guides my hands.

When you awaken in your new body, all memory of your former life will be wiped clean, and you will obey only me.

You will have the strength of many men, my creation, and live forever.

(electric buzzing)

(accordion music)

(indistinct whispering)

Here you go, Radu.

Have a good evening.

As well as I can, Adelina, babysitting the dead.

Make that undead.

Wine, our best, and two glasses.

Coming right up, Crina.

Can you get you gentlemen anything else to drink?

Or maybe a couple?

Claudiu, only drinks are for sale tonight.

Tomorrow night?

Guess you'll have to come back to find out.

Hm, just be wary of--

I can handle him.

And your name is Karnstein, Dr. Heinrich Karnstein.

Your family once lived in Switzerland.

Well I spent most of my youth in England, where I preformed all my research.

Welcome to Transylvania, doc.

I prefer doctor, if you don't mind, Carl.

Got any money, doc?

Please.

Thank you.

[Crina] Thank you, sir.

Yes, thank you doctor.

Good night.

Good night, Radu.

Come back soon.

I will, you can be sure.

Please, Carl.

We'll have the bottle, thank you.

[Crina] Thank you, kind sir.

Ah, Karnstein?

Dr. Karnstein?

Hm?

Oh, I'm sorry Carl, I was miles away.

I was thinking what a wonderful province you have here.

Mountains, rivers, forest, but above all you have opportunity.

I've lived here all my life and I've yet to see one, as you put it, opportunity.

But someday I hope to escape to America.

I mean the music, and I think the girls there are called chicks.

They're more friendly then some of our girls.

Shall we replenish?

Thank you.

And you believe dressing up as that mumbling American film actor will help you get there?

Or at least catch the eye of a pretty bar maid, hmm?

I mean, it can't hurt.

Besides I like the, the feel of these threads.

Imported, used, from the States.

Tell me Carl, the castle I saw on my way to the village this afternoon.

Might you know if it's for purchase?

Probably is, but you'll have to talk to the mayor.

Nobody's lived in that ancient dump for over 100 years.

Nobody even goes near it, too many old rumors.

Perfect, splendid.

You're not thinking of buying that old eyesore?

Replenish?

(intense music)

To think, the locals say this place was once home to a den of vampires.

Very hard to believe, I mean we're not living in 19th century Transylvania.

You see, my friend, I deal only in fact, not idiotic superstition.

You know, some idiots still believe like, the old legends, and they refuse to go near this place.

Good, then they won't pester me when I work, will they?

Doctor, you still haven't told me, what kind of work?

Carl, have you ever heard of the name Victor Frankenstein?

Frankenstein, of course.

Who hasn't, like the old Hollywood films, right?

Hmm, Victor Frankenstein was more than just a character from old films.

He was a real person who actually existed, and he had a wondrous dream.

A dream less enlightened people might call insanity.

To steal from nature her most precious secret, the secret of eternal life.

Victor Frankenstein created a living man.

A body he made piece by piece from corpses he acquired from the graveyards, the morgue, the slaughterhouse, wherever he could find them.

Come on, you don't really believe that, do you?

As will you, Carl, when in this very room I create Victor Frankenstein's great experiment again.

That's crazy man. (chuckles)

Is it, Carl?

Is it crazy?

My family name was once Frankenstein, modified by an ancestor to avoid the stigma.

Is it crazy my mother and father went to their grave fearing their only son would be tainted by the Frankenstein gene?

The gene that crops up every generation or so, among members of the Frankenstein bloodline.

You see, over the years I've collected copies of Victor Frankenstein's notes, some from the British museum.

By combining his ideas with my own techniques, including atomic energy, I intend to create my own living man.

But you see, unlike Frankenstein's so-called monster, one totally dominated by my will.

The perfect superhuman sl*ve.

Well, Carl, now what do you say?

Like I said before, you're cracked.

You're completely wacko. (chuckles)

Our last of this vintage, I'm sorry.

And alas, this will have to be our final drink of the evening.

Dorina, isn't it?

It is, yes.

[Heinrich] Beautiful name.

Thank you.

Okay, well you boys enjoy.

You, you're going to rob graves.

Hey, don't worry doctor, no other customers to overhear you past sunset.

We, Carl, we are going to rob graves.

Yeah, now I know you're nuts.

I ain't stealing no bodies, I ain't no body snitcher.

The word is snatcher, Carl.

I've learned a lot about you since my arrival in Transylvania.

I know you need money, I know you'd do almost anything to get away from this backward province.

To go someplace where you could enjoy success, fortune, and perhaps the finer things in life, if you had money.

Besides, I need an assistant.

I'm listening.

Once our experiment is completed and I publish, you, Carl, will share in all the glory.

Imagine what an impression you'll make on those bar maids.

And all those American chicks, as you say, especially if you had the money, the notoriety.

Well, my friend?

Colleague?

Are you with me?

[Both] Replenish.

(eerie music)

(bats chattering)

What if somebody sees us?

Who, Carl?

All the townspeople hiding in their homes from vampires?

I don't think so.

I don't know, I can't put my finger on it but something doesn't feel right--

Quit whining, and get on with it.

What are you doing here?

And who might you be, sir, visiting a cemetery at this late hour?

The caretaker of these sanctified grounds, if it's any of your business.

More important, don't you know where you are?

Yes, in a musty tomb in an old graveyard.

What else is there to know?

This isn't just any graveyard.

This ground is hallowed, sanctified long ago.

Don't you understand?

This is where it all began.

What're you doing--

(Carl gasps)

You, you robbing graves is one thing, but, but you are a doctor, a m*rder*r!

And you are an accessory, Carl.

Your fingerprints are on the m*rder w*apon.

I suggest you remember that.

And if you need further persuasion, I assure you my marksmanship is impeccable.

Now, shall we get back to work?

The hinges are rusted, we don't need the crowbar.

Such preservation.

The skin, pliable.

It's like it was buried yesterday.

Then it's true, what I've read about the soil.

And from the age of this coffin and the clothing, this fellow must have been here for a long time.

But this body, this body wasn't buried in the ground.

There's dirt inside the coffin, you fool, obviously enough to do its work.

You know what the villagers would say about this?

Utter rubbish, now will you help me get on with this?

I don't get what's so cool about this.

About what, Carl?

This, it seems like regular dirt to me.

I'm afraid a geological analysis will have to wait its turn.

As did Victor Frankenstein, we'll use only the best, most appropriate parts.

Strongest arms, most powerful torso, and so forth.

Well what're you just standing there for, boy?

We've much work to do.

Radu!

(vocalizes in fear)

Careful with that, Carl.

If there's any damage and I have to send to London for a replacement, it will set our work back considerably.

Those vintage pieces are irreplaceable, you know.

Can I get you something, Miklos? I saw yet another, yes, in the dead of night.

Miklos.

Another truck, bringing more machines up to that damned castle.

Machines probably built by Lucifer himself.

What's going on, Adelina?

I've never seen the men like this before.

Do they really believe in, you know, like in this day and age?

I mean, I may not believe in them, but I'm afraid of them.

I say we've wasted enough time.

Who's this Dr. Karnstein, anyway?

That name, wasn't there a vampire named Karnstein?

And what does he need with all those damned machines?

Maybe they're building an atomic b*mb.

Oh, no.

I don't think so. No.

There is more, Dinu.

What is it, Miklos?

The cemetery gate, the chain and lock, broken.

Broken?

Wait a minute, when was the last time anyone saw the caretaker?

Ah.

I haven't seen Radu in weeks.

It's not like Radu to miss having a beer or two each Saturday afternoon.

Oh, I miss Radu.

Yeah.

He tipped well.

Yeah. Oh yeah.

And this, do you recognize it?

You sure, where'd you find it?

Take us there.

Come, let's go.

Wait, wait, you, you may need my help, the Lord's help!

(quiet whispering)

(speaks foreign language)

Amen.

[All] Amen.

I've got to hand it to ya, doc.

Even though I don't really approve what you're doing, you've done a very cool job.

Time to replenish.

No, Carl, we have done a very cool job.

But your contribution to this project is far from over yet.

You see, I need one more important component for my creation.

Surely, one of those stiffs must have--

No, the brain needs to be fresh, healthy.

The brain of someone recently dead.

How are you gonna...

No, I won't be involved in another m*rder.

You don't have to be, Carl, at least not in the way you think.

It's no good trying to move, Carl.

The b*llet lodged in your spine, you're paralyzed.

But don't worry, I won't let you die.

Not yet, anyway.

Why?

I no longer need your assistance, Carl, but your brain, your brain is another matter.

A gray matter, you might say.

Doctor.

Doctor!

Doc.

Doc.

I trust the morphine helped, Carl.

Don't worry now, you won't feel a thing.

(power tool buzzes)

(wet squelching)

First this Karnstein moves into a place our village has shunned for years.

And now the cemetery, violated.

Graves opened, tombs desecrated, the bodies God knows where.

Sorry, Father Florescu.

And now poor Radu, m*rder*d.

We can't go to the police or the secure dottie with just that.

We do what our forefathers did.

Karnstein moved into a castle once occupied by the undead.

Tonight is a full moon.

It's said that a full moon can revive the undead, even after they've been put to rest.

Aye, that's what the legends say.

There's one tonight.

Maybe this Dr. Karnstein is one of those foul creatures.

Yes, I say he's a vampire.

Well, we know how to deal with them.

No, that would be m*rder, a grave sin.

Our forbearers did not take such blasphemous steps.

An archbishop consecrated the ground--

What if it's been unsanctified, desecrated?

No, I, I can't condone this, I can't be a part of it.

We'll discuss it later, Father, in a confessional.

Yeah!

Say I'm crazy, but I can't miss this.

Ladies, take over for me.

She's not leaving me behind.

Well me neither.

(electric buzzing)

(sniffing)

My sl*ve, you live.

(laughs)

Now, can you talk?

Go on, try.

I command you, acknowledge your master.

Karnstein.

(laughs gleefully)

Doc!

Carl, you remember?

Remember?

I, we, thirst.

But I don't understand.

(crowd yelling)

[Man] k*ll the vampire!

[Man] sh**t the latch, sh**t the latch!

(crowd cheers)

Get him, get him, get him!

Carl, you must obey me.

You must acknowledge your master.

You must protect me from them.

Do you understand?

k*ll them!

Oh my God!

(Heinrich gurgles)

Get him. There he is.

Get him.

Replenish.

Good lord!

[Narrator] He was soon lost in darkness and distance.

(eerie rock music)

♪ On a hot night when the full moon is shining bright ♪

♪ Something's not right ♪

♪ The water boils in the sea ♪

♪ I hear the monster crying out ♪

♪ What can it be ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Die monster die ♪

♪ Take a ride on the dark side ♪

♪ Die monster die ♪

♪ Die monster die ♪

♪ Take a ride on the dark side ♪

♪ Die monster die ♪

♪ I can't believe what I see the ground is shaking ♪

♪ See the monster rise ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Die monster die ♪

(laid-back rock music)