Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster is now set to release in October for the 90th anniversary of the Universal monster classic Frankenstein, as reported by Variety.com.
In September of 2020, we reported on the trailer for the documentary which at the time did not have a release date. The documentary was written by Tom Hamilton and Ron MacCloskey with Karloff’s official biographer, Stephen Jacobs, serving as the film’s Historical Consultant. The film will cover Karloff’s 60-year long career in entertainment as well as his time playing one of the most prominent icons of 20th century horror.
Voltage Films is currently in production on the documentary with Ron MacCloskey and Thomas Hamilton co-writing and co-producing; Hamilton will also be directing. MacCloskey has dedicated 23 years to the project and has filmed 50 interviews in the U.S, Canada, and the U.K since 2018. Voltage is in talks with Shout Factory in the U.S and European broadcaster ARTE, who have both expressed an interest in airing the film.
Hamilton and Tracy Jenkins will also be producing a documentary series called Horror Icons. The series will take a look at the lives and careers of various horror icons including Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee.
Karloff had been in 80 films prior to his portrayal of Frankenstein’s Monster in 1931 at the age of 43; after which he returned to the role in Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and Son of Frankenstein (1939). Karloff would also play several other characters from popular fiction like Imhotep (The Mummy (1932)), The Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)), Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde (Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953)), and King Arthur (A Connecticut Yankee (1955)).
Karloff, a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild in 1933, is also remembered for his strong commitment to protecting the rights of up-and-coming actors.
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