Frankenstein 1931 - opening scene

The opening scene of the film Frankenstein (1931) is a cautionary warning to the audience that the faint of heart should leave the theater before the movie begins.

Frankenstein is a 1931 horror monster film from Universal Pictures directed by James Whale.

I do not claim rights/ownership to any of the video or audio clips presented in this film.

[thesnakeman]

Screw the Hollywood rating system from now on every film should have this kind of intro no matter what it is. (Pg, R, or otherwise)

[swordchicken]

“How do you do? Ms. Coralie Fargeat feels it would be little unkind to present this picture without just a friendly word of warning: We are about to unfold the story of Elizabeth Sparkle, a woman who sought to make her grand return to the spotlight, even if it meant literally creating another version of herself. It is one of the strangest tales ever told. It deals with the two great mysteries of the entertainment industry: beauty and addiction. I think it will thrill you. It may shock you. It might even *horrify* you. So, if any of you feel that you do not care to subject your nerves to such a strain, now’s your chance to uh, well, — we warned you!”

[jonwells-nxge]

Audience member in 1931-"Yeah right, I spent 40 cents on this ticket, I'm sitting through the whole thing.

[tadimaggio]

With this speech, Edward Van Sloan pointed the way to William Castle (many years later), whose films supposedly provided a doctor and nurse in the lobby for the faint-hearted. And let's not forget that immortal horror classic "The Screaming Skull", with its opening shot of an open coffin, featuring a sign reading "RESERVED FOR YOU", in case you died of terror while watching the film. I've always wondered what would have happened if anyone had actually HAD a heart attack during a Castle film, and tried to avail themselves of the services of that doctor and nurse. "Hey, buddy, I'm just an actor they hired for the day!" Rather like that bit of dark comedy on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show", when Ted had a heart attack on the air, they called for a doctor, and then buttonholed the first guy who walked through the door. ""Well, how is he?" "How should I know? I'm here to fix the copier!"

[AllMyWakingHours]

If anyone's a fan of the Simpsons, they spoofed this warning in those early episodes of Treehouse of Horror when Marge would come out and give a warning that the episode would be scary.

[bluhmer]

0:18 "A man of science who sought to create a man of his own image, without reckoning upon God." And yet he made his monster look...well like a monster.

[MasterSplinter]

people today: *complains about trigger warnings, and how "sensitive" everyone is today*

this film from the 1930s: hold my beer

[Wishboneevr]

THAT'S where they got it from when Marge used to opens up Treehouse of Horror episodes. 😄

[gobackspaces]

I'd like to belatedly express my appreciation to Mr. Laemmle for this warning.

[steveperry]

i first saw this as a 5 year old kid in 1955 on our new television and it scared the heck out of me. it is still one of my favorites.

[benhamilton]

Thanx for that warning, Edward Van Sloan. The original know-it-all old man.

[maxfranklinmeans]

So THIS is where Marge Simpson's _Treehouse Of Horror_ opening warning came from!

[beggo]

This was such a badass thing to do back then!

[atthis]

First time i watched this film i was hooked Right away especially by this introduction

[Hupomone]

So great. 1931 was a great year for films!

[godofzombi]

Did you just call the audience chicken?

[leftyspade]

This guy was far scarier than Karloff and his voice is beyond horrifying.

[usefulpineapple]

First few Treehouse of Horror openings anyone?

[alecjmariano]

How do you do, Mr. Guillermo Del Toro feels it would be a little unkind to present this friendly warning. We are about to unfold the story of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark, A Girl who sought to read a book 📖 and became real. I think it’ll thrill you, it may shock you and even horrified you. So if any of you feel that you do not care to subject your nerves to such a strain, now’s your chance to - uh, well, we warned you.

[elmultiversodejoaquin]

This is the Reference to The Halloween Series of Simpsons