The First Frankenstein Film: 365 Days of Horror

by Justine Norton-Kertson

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When we think of Frankenstein’s monster, the image that typically comes to mind is Boris Karloff’s iconic portrayal in Universal’s 1931 adaptation. But long before Karloff’s Monster graced the silver screen, an earlier version of Mary Shelley’s timeless tale flickered to life in a short, silent film made by Thomas Edison’s production company decades earlier in 1910. This first-ever film adaptation of Frankenstein isn’t just a piece of cinematic history, it’s a fascinating artifact that reveals how early filmmakers approached one of horror’s most enduring stories.

The Birth of American Horror Movies

Made in 1910, Thomas Edison’s Frankenstein is widely regarded as the first American horror movie. while at twelve minutes long this short is certainly no feature film, it still carries that distinction. As the first American horror movie, it has a special place in the annals of film history along with other firsts such as the first Japanese horror film or the first Mexican horror film.

This silent film condenses Mary Shelley’s sprawling novel into a compact narrative. On the opening copyright card, it even labels itself a “liberal adaptation.” What can we expect in twelve minutes. Obviously a lot of material has to be cut.

Nevertheless, watching this early version of Frankenstein was like a horror nerd’s dream. It gives us a window into the infancy of cinematic horror. It’s an experience that transports us to space and time where the boundaries of storytelling were still being explored and video effects were still in their infancy.

A Monster Unlike Any Other

One of the most striking aspects of the 1910 Frankenstein is its depiction of the Monster. Forget the flat-top head and neck bolts popularized decades later. This Monster is a grotesque, disproportional figure with wild hair and what appears to be an attempt at skinless, skeletal, claw-like hands. The makeup effects, while primitive by today’s standards, are surprisingly effective in creating a sense of otherworldly menace. There’s a rawness to the design that feels unpolished but deeply unsettling—a perfect match for the experimental nature of the film.

The Monster’s creation scene is a highlight, achieved through an early "reverse burn" technique. Rather than the dramatic lightning and laboratory equipment we’ve come to associate with the story, this sequence shows the Monster forming in a cauldron-like apparatus. The effect is eerie and surreal, as though the creature is being assembled from raw, molten, living matter.

Dr. Frankenstein: The Original Nerd Horror Icon

Victor Frankenstein in this adaptation is less a tragic Romantic figure and more of a proto-mad scientist. His obsession with creating life through science reflects the boundless curiosity and hubris that are hallmarks of this nerd horror archetype. In many ways, he’s a precursor to characters like Dr. Jekyll, Herbert West, and countless others who have dared to tamper with the natural order in pursuit of knowledge.

Watching this early portrayal of Dr. Frankenstein is a reminder of how the story’s core themes—the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral consequences of creation—have remained relevant across generations. It’s also a fascinating look at how these themes were interpreted into silent film in the pre-world war decades, a time when film was in its infancy, and science and industry were transforming the world in increasingly rapid and unprecedented ways.

A Glimpse Into Early Horror

The film’s visual style is unmistakably theatrical, with stage-like sets and exaggerated performances that reflect its silent film roots. This theatricality lends the film an almost dreamlike quality, reinforcing its status as a pioneering work of speculative fiction. The cinematography and special effects may seem quaint to modern viewers, but they represent a bold attempt to translate a complex story into a new medium.

What’s particularly interesting is how the film’s brevity forces it to focus on the core conflict between creator and creation. After all that’s what the story is about, Frankenstein and his Monster.

The story’s resolution is intriguingly moralistic: the Monster confronts itself in a mirror and then disappears into the mirror. Dr. Frankenstein then comes into the room and sees the Monster in the mirror turn into himself as Frankenstein confronts his own reflection. Of course, this symbolizes the inner turmoil and guilt that haunts him. It’s a simplification of Shelley’s narrative, but one that retains its psychological depth.

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Edison’s Frankenstein is more than just a curiosity for film historians; it’s an essential watch for fans of horror and science fiction. It’s a reminder of how the genre’s earliest creators laid the groundwork for the stories we love today, using the limited tools at their disposal to explore timeless questions about humanity, morality, and the unknown.

As part of Nerd Horror’s 365 Days of Horror challenge, this film is a perfect example of how horror has always been a space for experimentation and boundary-pushing. It’s also a testament to the enduring power of Mary Shelley’s creation, which continues to inspire and terrify audiences more than a century after this first cinematic adaptation.

So, if you’re looking for a deep dive into the roots of horror—and a chance to see one of the original nerd horror characters in action—Edison’s Frankenstein is a must-watch. It may not be as polished as later adaptations, but it’s a vital piece of horror history that still holds the power to captivate and provoke.