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You’ve gotta love the ‘60s. Back then, even their horror movies were filled with happy-go-lucky scenes, backed by a hip, cheery soundtrack. But, then again, this isn’t just any ‘60s horror movie. This quirky classic, according to one of the screenwriters, is arguably the worst film ever made—which is precisely what makes it so darn irresistible.
The story opens with a band of travelers from outer space. These poor aliens, led by Princess Marcuzan (Marilyn Hanold) and her lackey, Dr. Nadir (Lou Cutell)—who looks like a creepy mix between Uncle Fester and Mini-Me—are traveling to Earth for one purpose. Their planet has been rendered unlivable by atomic war—and they need to capture human females for breeding purposes.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, two scientists, Karen and Adam (Nancy Marshall and James Karen), have spent the last ten years creating a human-looking robot for a voyage to Mars. After take-off, however, the aliens confuse the ship for a missile, and they shoot it down. Once they realize what they’ve done, they head for Earth to destroy the pilot—who, they fear, has seen them and will ruin their plan.
The robot lands in Puerto Rico. After a run-in with an alien, he’s left with half of his face—and his wires get a little crossed, making him incredibly violent. Karen and Adam rush to Puerto Rico to save him. At the same time, the aliens (who apparently have given up on destroying the pilot) have advanced to the next phase of their plan—by snatching bikini-clad babes off the beach and dancing broads from a pool party.
Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster is a fantastically low-budget, totally cheesy ‘60s film (Swiss cheesy, if you’re referring to the plot). It’s incredibly short (only 77 minutes), and it could have been even shorter, had it cut down on its extensive use of stock footage or the happy scooter-ride scenes through beautiful Puerto Rico. But—as with Prince of Space--another cheesy sci-fi classic—that’s what makes is so entertaining.
To add to the amusement value of Frankenstein, take this little fact into consideration: the script was written by three poets who were well-known and well-respected in intellectual and literary circles. According to the fascinating little booklet that comes with the DVD, the three originally intended the movie to be funny—a sort of ‘60s Army of Darkness—but their producers told them to cut out the humor and make it all horror.
Little did the producers realize at the time that, by attempting to remove the humor, they made it even funnier. No matter how bad it is, you can’t help but laugh. Or, better yet, have a couple of drinks first—and you’ll love every ridiculous minute of it.
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