If we look at the base of a brain which has just been removed from a skull,
there's very little of the midbrain that we can actually see.
Yet, as I demonstrated in my lecture last week,
if the under aspects of the temporal lobes are gently pulled apart,
the upper portion of the stem of the brain can be seen.
This so-called brainstem consists of the midbrain,
a rounded protrusion called the pons,
and a stalk tapering downwards called the medulla oblongata
which passes out of the skull through the foramen magnum
and becomes, of course, the spinal cord.
Are there any questions before we proceed?
I have one question, Dr Frankenstein.
That's Fronkonsteen.
I beg your pardon?
My name. It's pronounced "Fronkonsteen".
But aren't you the grandson of the famous Dr Victor Frankenstein,
who dug up freshly buried corpses and transformed dead components into...
Yes, yes.
Yes.
We all know what he did.
But I'd rather be remembered for my own small contributions to science
and not because of my accidental relationship
to a famous... cuckoo.
Now, if you don't mind, can we have your question?
Well, sir, I'm not sure I understand the distinction between
reflexive and voluntary nerve impulses.
Good. Since our lab work today is a demonstration ofjust that distinction,
why don't we proceed?
Mr Hilltop here, with whom I have never worked
or given any prior instructions to,
has graciously offered his services for today's demonstration.
Mr Hilltop, would you hop up on your feet and stand beside this table?
Nice hopping.
Mr Hilltop,
would you raise your left knee, please?
You have just witnessed a voluntary nerve impulse.
It begins as a stimulus from the cerebral cortex,
passes through the brainstem and to the muscles involved.
Mr Hilltop, you may lower your knee.
Reflex movements are those which are made independently of the will,
but are carried out along pathways
which pass between the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.
You filthy, rotten, yellow son of a bitch.
We are not aware of these impulses.
Neither do we intend them to carry out our contraction of muscles.
Yet, as you can see, they work by themselves.
But what if we block the nerve impulse by simply applying local pressure,
which can be done with any ordinary metal clamp
just at the swelling on the posterior nerve roots
for, say... five or six seconds?
Why, you mother-grabbing bastard.
As you can see, all communication is shut off.
In spite of our mechanical magnificence,
if it were not for this continuous stream of motor impulses,
we would collapse
like a bunch of broccoli.
In conclusion, it should be noted...
- Give him an extra dollar. - Extra dollar. Yes, sir.
...that any more than common injury
to the nerve root is always serious.
Because once a nerve fibre is severed,
there is no way, in heaven or on earth,
to regenerate life back into it.
Are there any last questions before we leave?
Dr Frank...
- Fronkonsteen... - Yes?
Isn't it true that Darwin preserved a piece of vermicelli in a glass case
until, by some extraordinary means,
it actually began to move with a voluntary motion?
Are you speaking of the worm or the spaghetti?
Why, the worm, sir.
Yes. It seems to me I did read something of that incident when I was a student.
But you have to remember that a worm, with very few exceptions,
is not a human being.
But wasn't that the basis of your grandfather's work, sir?
The reanimation of dead tissue?
My grandfather was a very sick man.
But as a Fronkonsteen, aren't you the least bit curious about it?
Doesn't bringing back to life what was once dead hold any intrigue for you?
You are talking about the nonsensical ravings of a lunatic mind. Dead is dead.
But look at what has been done with hearts and kidneys.
Hearts and kidneys are Tinkertoys. I'm talking about the central nervous system.
- But, sir... - I am a scientist, not a philosopher!
You have more chance of reanimating this scalpel
than of mending a broken nervous system.
- But what about your grandfather's work? - My grandfather's work was doo-doo!
I am not interested in death.
The only thing that concerns me is the preservation of life!
Class...
...is...
...dismissed.
Dr Frankenstein...
That's Fronkonsteen.
My name is Gerhart Falkstein.
I have travelled 5,000 miles to bring you the will of your great-grandfather.
Baron Beaufort von Frankenstein.
Oh, my sweet darling.
Oh, my dearest love. I'll count the hours that you're away.
- Oh, darling, so will I. - Not on the lips.
I'm going to that party at Nanna and Nicky's. I don't wanna smear my lipstick.
- You understand. - Of course.
All aboard!
- Oh, dear. - Well, I guess this is it.
Freddy, darling.
Oh, how can I say in a few minutes what it's taken me a lifetime to understand?
- Won't you try? - All right.
You've got it, mister.
I'm yours. All of me. What else can I say?
- My sweet love... - The hair. Just been set.
Sorry.
- I hope you like old-fashioned weddings. - I prefer old-fashioned wedding nights.
- You're incorrigible. - Does that mean...
...you love me? - You bet your boots it does.
- Oh, my only love. - Taffeta, darling.
Taffeta, sweetheart.
No, the dress is taffeta. It wrinkles so easily.
All aboard!
There's that horrid man again.
Well, hurry now, before I make a fool of myself.
Oh, my nails!
Sorry.
- Goodbye, darling. - Goodbye, Freddy.
Darling.
- Harry, he was at it again. - So what do you want me to do about it?
Every day.
Let him. Let him.
New York next. Everybody out for New York.
Pardon me, boy. Is this the Transylvania Station?
Ja, ija. Track 29.
Oh, can I give you a shine?
No, thanks.
Dr Frankenstein?
Fronkonsteen.
You're putting me on.
No. It's pronounced Fronkonsteen.
Do you also say Frodorick?
No. Frederick.
Well, why isn't it Frodorick Fronkonsteen?
It isn't. It's Frederick Fronkonsteen.
I see.
- You must be lgor. - No. It's pronounced l-gor.
- But they told me it was lgor. - Well, they were wrong then, weren't they?
You were sent by Herr Falkstein, weren't you?
Yes. My grandfather used to work for your grandfather.
- How nice. - Of course, the rates have gone up.
Of course. I'm sure we'll get along splendidly.
Sorry. I...
You know, I don't mean to embarrass you, but I'm a rather brilliant surgeon.
Perhaps I could help you with that hump.
What hump?
Let's go.
Allow me, master.
Thanks very much.
Walk this way.
This way.
I think you'll be more comfortable in the rear.
- What was that? - That'll be Inga.
Herr Falkstein thought you might need a laboratory assistant temporarily.
Hello. Would you like to have a roll in the hay?
It's fun.
Roll, roll, roll in the hay
Sometimes I am afraid of the lightning.
It's just an atmospheric discharge.
Nothing to be afraid of.
Werewolf.
Werewolf?
- There. - What?
There wolf.
There castle.
Why are you talking that way?
- I thought you wanted to. - No, I don't want to.
Suit yourself. I'm easy.
Well...
There it is.
Home.
What knockers.
Thank you, Doctor.
Oh, that's all right.
There we are.
I am Frau Blücher.
Steady!
How do you do? I am Dr Fronkonsteen.
This is my assistant. Inga, may I present Frau Blücher?
I wonder what's got into them.
Your rooms have been prepared, Herr Doktor.
If you will follow me.
L-gor. Would you bring the bags as soon as you're finished, please?
Yes, master.
After you, Frau Blücher.
Blücher!
Follow me, please.
Stay close to the candles.
The staircase can be treacherous.
Und this is your room. It was your grandfather Victor's room.
I see.
Well. Seem to be quite a few books.
This was Victor's...
...the Baron's medical library.
- Where is my grandfather's private library? - I don't know what you mean, sir.
Well, these books are very general. Any doctor might have them in his study.
This is the only library I know of, Dr Frankenstone.
- Fronkonsteen. - Fronkonsteen.
Well, we'll see.
Good night.
Would the doctor care for a brandy before retiring?
No. Thank you.
Some warm milk...
...perhaps?
No, thank you very much.
No, thanks.
Ovaltine?
Nothing.
Thank you.
I'm a little tired.
Then I will say... good night.
Good night!
Good night, darling.
Good night, Herr Doktor.
Good night, Frau Blücher.
No, no, no...
I'm not a Frankenstein.
I am not a Frankenstein.
I'm a Fronkonsteen.
Don't gimme that!
I don't believe in fate.
And I won't say it.
All right, you win. I give.
I'll say it. I'll say it, I'll say it.
Destiny. Destiny.
No escaping that for me.
Destiny. Destiny.
No escaping that for me.
Destiny. Destiny...
No escaping...
Dr Fronkonsteen. Wake up.
- What is it? - You were having a nightmare.
- What's that strange music? - I have no idea.
But it seems to be coming
from behind the bookcase.
Behind the bookcase...
Hand me that robe, would you, dear?
You were right. It's coming from behind this wall.
Where is it?
- Where is it? - What?
There's always a device. If I can just spot the triggering mechanism...
Hello.
It seems louder over here. Hand me that candle, will you?
Put the candle back.
All right. I think I have it figured out now.
Take out the candle and I'll block the bookcase with my body.
Listen to me very carefully.
Don't put the candle back.
With all of your might,
shove against the other side of the bookcase.
Is that perfectly clear?
I think so.
Good girl.
Put the candle back.
Oh, look, Doctor. A passageway.
Whatever that music is, it's coming from down there.
- I'd better take a look. - Oh, let me come with you, Doctor, please.
I don't wanna stay up here alone.
All right, then. Close your robe and follow me.
Oh, Doctor. The candle...
Good thinking. Let's try this one.
Stand back!
Don't be frightened, dear. Just a rat.
A filthy, slimy rat.
Good Lord!
L-l-l-I-I-I
Ain't got nobody
And nobody cares for me
- l-gor. - Frodorick.
How did you get here?
Through the dumbwaiter. I heard strange music from the upstairs kitchen
and I just followed it down.
Call it... a hunch.
- There must have been someone else here. - It would seem that way.
And there's the only other door.
Wait, master.
It might be dangerous.
You go first.
Aren't there any lights in this place?
Two nasty-looking switches over here, but I'm not going to be the first.
Damn your eyes.
Too late.
So this is where it all happened.
Just think. A dead brain ready to live again in a new body.
Look. No blood, no decomposition.
Just a few sutures.
- Throw the main switch. - Yes, master.
What a filthy mess.
I dunno. A little paint, a few flowers, couple of throw pillows...
Well, it seems as if our mysterious violinist has disa... p...
- Disa... what? ...peared.
There is a light coming from behind that door.
Follow me.
Doctor, look!
Well... This explains the music.
It's still warm.
But who was playing it?
I don't know.
But whoever it was just barely finished putting out his cigar.
Such strange goings-on.
What is this place?
Music room?
But there's nothing here but books and papers.
Books and papers?
It is!
This is my grandfather's private library. I feel it.
Look! Look at this.
"...until, from the midst of this darkness, a sudden light broke in upon me."
"A light so brilliant and wondrous, and yet so simple."
"Change the poles from plus to minus
and from minus to plus."
"I alone succeeded in discovering the secret of bestowing life."
"Nay, even more..."
"I myself became capable of bestowing animation
upon lifeless matter."
It could work.
- Kipper? - Thank you, Doctor.
"As the minuteness of the parts formed a hindrance to my speed,
I resolved therefore to make the creature of a gigantic stature."
Of course.
That would simplify everything.
In other words,
his veins, his feet, his hands, his organs would all have to be increased in size.
Exactly.
He would have an enormous Schwanzstück.
That goes without saying.
Woof.
He's gonna be very popular.
So then. What we're aiming for is a being approximately seven feet in height,
with all features either congenitally or artificially proportionate in size.
Something like...
...this?
Hello...
You've caught something there.
Crude, yes, primitive, yes, perhaps even grotesque,
yet something inexplicable tells me
that this might be our man.
All right, all right.
That's good enough for the likes of 'im.
Get down, you fool.
Now.
What a filthy job.
- Could be worse. - How?
Could be raining.
Quick.
Need a hand?
No, thanks. I have one. Thanks very much all the same.
Just a moment, sir.
I know everyone around here, but I've never seen your face before.
Can you account for yourself?
Yes. I am Dr Frederick Fronkonsteen, newly arrived from America.
Oh, yes, sir. I was told you were here.
Well, I'm Constable Henry, sir. Pleased to meet you.
How very nice to meet you, Constable.
Why, you're chilled to the bone, sir.
A nice, warm fire would be the thing for you.
A little nip from the old bottle wouldn't be too bad either, sir.
That's the ticket, yes.
Well, if you have everything in hand, sir, I'll say good night.
Thank you very much, Constable.
At your service, sir, always.
- Good night, Constable. - Good night, sir.
Oh, what an awesome sight.
What a profound and reverend night is this.
With such a specimen for a body,
all we need now is an equally magnificent brain.
- You know what to do? - I have a pretty good idea.
Good man.
Didn't you... Didn't you use to have that on the other side?
- What? - Your...
Never mind.
- Do you have that name I gave you? - I have it written down.
- H Delbruck. - Hans Delbruck.
- He is hideous. - He's beautiful.
And he is mine.
Hurry now. We're fighting time and the elements.
- Are you ready? - Are you sure this is how they did it?
Yes. It's all written down in the notes.
Now tie off the kites and hurry down as fast as you can.
What's the hurry?
There's a possibility of electrocution. Do you understand?
I say: "There's a possibility of electrocution."
Do you understand?
I understand, I understand. Why are you shouting?
Did you...
- Did you tie off the kites? - Of course.
All right. Good.
- Check the generator. - Yes, master.
L-gor,
- release the safety valve on the main wheel. - Yes, master.
Can you imagine the brain of Hans Delbruck in this body?
Oh, Frederick.
This is the moment.
Well, dear...
Are you ready?
Yes, Doctor.
Elevate me.
Now? Right here?
- Yes, yes. Raise the platform. - Oh, the platform.
Oh, that. Ja... yes.
From that fateful day when stinking bits of slime
first crawled from the sea and shouted to the cold stars:
"I am man",
our greatest dread has always been the knowledge of our own mortality.
But tonight
we shall hurl the gauntlet of science
into the frightful face of death itself.
Tonight,
we shall ascend into the heavens.
We shall mock the earthquake.
We shall command the thunders
and penetrate
into the very womb of impervious nature herself.
When I give the word, throw the first switch.
You've got it, master.
Get ready.
Get set.
Go!
Throw the second switch.
Throw the third switch.
Not the third switch?
Throw it, I say. Throw it!
Life.
Life, do you hear me?
Give my creation
life!
Turn everything off and bring me down.
Nothing.
- Oh, Doctor. I'm sorry... - No, no.
Be of good cheer.
If science teaches us anything,
it teaches us to accept our failures
as well as our successes
with quiet dignity
and grace.
Son of a bitch, bastard. I'll get you for this.
What did you do to me?
- What did you do to me? - Doctor, stop it!
You'll kill him!
I don't wanna live.
I do not want to live.
Quiet dignity and grace.
Mama!
Oh, tosh! This man is different, I tell you.
You can see that after you've talked to him for five minutes.
Yes?
He's a Frankenstein!
And they're all alike.
It's in their blood. They can't 'elp it.
All those scientists, they're all alike.
They say they're working for us.
What they really want is to rule the world.
That's enough now. I will not have this meeting become a free-for-all.
These are very serious charges you're making,
and all the more painful to us, your elders, because we still have nightmares
from five times before.
Now, we haven't heard from the one man most qualified to judge the situation fairly.
Inspector Kemp.
Will you talk to us, please?
A riot is an ugly thing
und once you get one started
there is little chance of stopping it
short of bloodshed.
I think before we go around killing people,
we had better make damn sure of our evidence.
Und...
...we had better confirm the fact
that young Frankenstein is indeed
vollowing in his grandfather's vootstaps.
What?
Vollowing in his grandfather's vootstaps. Vootstaps.
Oh, footsteps.
I think
what is in order
is for me to pay a little visit on the good doctor
und to have a nice, quiet chat.
Reputation.
Oh, Doctor. You mustn't do this to yourself.
You've got to stop thinking about it.
Why, look. You haven't even touched your food.
There.
Now I've touched it. Happy?
You know... I'll never forget my old dad.
When these things would happen to him... the things he'd say to me.
What did he say?
What the hell are you doin' in the bathroom day and night?
Why don't you get outta there and give someone else a chance?
Oh, maybe it's better this way.
The poor lifeless hulk.
Maybe it is better off dead.