Frankenstein (1910) Directed by: J. Searle Dawley Produced by: Thomas Edison (Edison Manufacturing Company) Written by: J. Searle Dawley (adapted from Mary Shelley's 1818 novel) Cinematography: James White Release Date: March 18, 1910 Country: United States Language: Silent (English intertitles) Runtime: Approx. 16 minutes Genres: Horror, Science Fiction, Silent Short, Early Gothic Cinema --- Plot Summary: This is the first screen adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, condensed into a brief but atmospheric telling. Rather than a complex narrative, it focuses on the creation and emotional torment of Frankenstein's monster. The film portrays Victor Frankenstein as a scientist who seeks to create the perfect human, but instead births a horrific creature through alchemical means. The "monster" haunts Frankenstein, eventually disappearing in a moment of self-recognition — a scene that visually symbolizes the consequences of tampering with nature and God’s domain. --- Key Cast: Augustus Phillips – Victor Frankenstein Charles Ogle – The Monster (in groundbreaking early makeup) Mary Fuller – Frankenstein's fiancée --- Notable Features & Techniques: Primitive Special Effects: The monster’s creation is achieved using reverse motion and superimposition, with flames and chemicals symbolizing the unnatural birth. Makeup Design: Charles Ogle’s monstrous design predates Karloff’s iconic 1931 look — this version is ghoulish and primal, almost shamanistic. Set Design: The lab is compact but eerie, making the most of stage-style aesthetics. Moral Message: Emphasizes horror not from the creature, but from man’s ambition — in line with Shelley’s original themes. --- Cinematic Significance: First Frankenstein Film: Predates the more famous Universal version by 21 years. Cultural Milestone: One of the earliest horror films ever made and the first American horror film. Lost and Found: Long thought lost, the only known print was rediscovered in the 1970s and restored in the 1980s. Edison’s Branding: Labeled as “A liberal adaptation,” the Edison Company emphasized the film’s moral undertones and educational value. --- Preservation Status: A surviving print is housed in the Library of Congress. Public domain versions are now widely available. Modern restorations enhance its viewing clarity while preserving its raw style. --- Legacy: This short laid the groundwork for cinematic horror and is frequently studied in film history courses for its influence on genre tropes, from the misunderstood monster to the dangers of unrestrained science. --- Curated Hashtags: #Frankenstein1910 #EdisonStudios #SilentHorror #FirstFrankenstein #CharlesOgle #MaryShelley #SilentFilmHistory #EarlyCinema #ScienceGoneWrong #LostFilmFound #SilentFilmClassic #VintageHorror #GothicCinema #EarlySciFi #VictorFrankenstein