By MICHAEL GINGOLD
A feature-length look at one of the all-time great horror actors is coming next month.
Shout! Studios has announced that it has picked up North American distribution rights to BORIS KARLOFF: THE MAN BEHIND THE MONSTER, with Abramorama handling the theatrical release that begins September 17. Directed by Thomas Hamilton and written and produced by Hamilton and Ron MacCloskey, the movie surveys the 60-year career of the man born William Henry Pratt, whose portrayal of the Monster in FRANKENSTEIN (1931), BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1935) and SON OF FRANKENSTEIN (1939) is now cinematic legend. Among the interviewees are the actor’s daughter Sara Karloff and filmmakers and performers inspired and influenced by Karloff, including Guillermo del Toro, Roger Corman, Joe Dante, John Landis, Peter Bogdanovich, Christopher Plummer, Ron Perlman and Kevin Brownlow.
“In BORIS KARLOFF: THE MAN BEHIND THE MONSTER, audiences will be taken on a journey through Boris Karloff’s life and career,” says Hamilton. “They will discover the secrets of the man, the struggles and triumphs of his career, as well as the surprising twists it took, and hear direct testimony from the man himself and those who were closest. Additionally, we chart the rise of one of the most durable of Hollywood genres, the horror film, and provide fresh perspectives on the peculiar power that these films retain, 90 years after they were made.”
“Thomas and Ron have done a first-class job of telling the story of Boris Karloff’s life, says Abramorama CEO Richard Abramowitz. “I was a ‘monster kid’–my brother and I were obsessed with them, FRANKENSTEIN and THE MUMMY most of all–so I consider it a privilege and high honor to help bring BORIS KARLOFF: THE MAN BEHIND THE MONSTER out into the world.” Adds Shout! Studios’ Mark Balsam, “The timing seems perfect to release a documentary about the heralded actor Boris Karloff. His legacy continues to grow and in keeping with Shout! Studios’ focus in perpetuating such legacies, we are thrilled to introduce this documentary to an audience that can once again celebrate Mr. Karloff’s iconic status.”
