'Bride of Frankenstein' to play at Athena Cinema to celebrate 200th anniversary of 'Frankenstein'

Photo courtesy of: Rosemary RossiterFrankenstein is celebrating his 200th anniversary

To mark the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s novel, “Frankenstein,” the Ohio University Technology and Society Certificate Program will sponsor a faculty panel discussion and screening of the 1935 movie, “Bride of Frankenstein.” 

This event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at the Athena Cinema in Athens from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15.

“Frankenstein” is a celebrated horror novel and one of the most imaginative works of the Romantic period. Also described as an example of gothic science fiction, the novel contrasts scientific creativity with societal ethics, themes which resonate throughout today’s technological world. 

In the novel, the scientist is dismayed by his creation and tries to abandon it. One wonders if the innovators behind today’s technological and scientific marvels—from ubiquitous social media platforms to the genetic modification of foods or the “editing” of the human genome—are similarly concerned about the unintended consequences of their actions.

Since its publication in 1818, “Frankenstein” has been adapted for theater, radio, and film. In 1931, director James Whale’s film, “Frankenstein,” starring Boris Karloff as the Creature, was well-received but its sequel, the 1935 film “Bride of Frankenstein,” is widely regarded as Whale’s masterpiece.

“Bride of Frankenstein,” also starring Boris Karloff and presenting Elsa Lanchester as the “bride,” draws directly from Shelley’s novel: longing for companionship, the Creature commands his creator, Victor Frankenstein, to make another like himself. While in the novel Victor refuses to finish the task, Whale’s film imagines her completion . . . and its dire consequences.

The Technology and Society Certificate Program is pleased to present this panel discussion and screening of “Bride of Frankenstein” to all Ohio University students as well as the Athens community. The Technology and Society Certificate Program is a 15-credit hour program which critically analyzes the interdependence between technology and society and provides a valuable background for any career. 

Students enrolled in the certificate acquire technical and analytical skills in classes accessible to all majors. Classes in the certificate may double-count toward a student’s major.

For information contact techsociety@ohio.edu.