Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster

2021's "Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster" is among the first truly comprehensive documentaries about the actor known for his indelible portrayal of The Monster in James Whale's 1931 "Frankenstein," yet one wonders why it took so long for such a film to be made, just over 50 years after his 1969 passing at age 81 (better this than a biopic!). Kicking things off with The Monster was clearly the right way to start, continuing with "The Old Dark House" and "The Mummy" before delving into his early life, the youngest son in a diplomatic family, whose dark complexion made him stand out in school as well as silent bit parts. A chance encounter with Lon Chaney was most encouraging, but it wasn't until his 1930 performance as convict Galloway in Howard Hawks' "The Criminal Code" that studios and audiences began to really take notice of him. Karloff always believed that any actor worth his salt could have played The Monster and reaped its rewards, proving himself again and again in worthy vehicles like "The Black Cat," "The Invisible Ray," and one for Columbia, "The Black Room" offering him dual roles as twins, one good, the other evil, plus a magical third performance as the bad one impersonating his murdered brother. The 40s were a bonanza for Broadway success in "Arsenic and Old Lace," then a three picture collaboration with RKO producer Val Lewton in "The Body Snatcher," "Isle of the Dead," and "Bedlam." His final decade brought television acclaim as host and occasional star on NBC's THRILLER, the Wurdulak in Mario Bava's "Black Sabbath" (the family that slays together, stays together!), his memorable narration of Dr. Seuss' "The Grich That Stole Christmas," and a final bow as an aging monster actor in Peter Bogdanovich's "Targets." A trip down memory lane for enthusiasts, or a wonderful introduction for the uninitiated, you can't go wrong either way.