Perfectly Frank: 10 Memorable Portrayals of Frankenstein’s Monster

Of all the Frankenstein monsters, Boyle’s creature in Young Frankenstein is certainly the funniest. Also, the best dancer. And the best lover. In Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder’s loving homage to/spoof of classic Universal horror movies, Boyle is rebuilt by the Baron’s grandson (Wilder) but accidentally given the wrong brain by Igor (Marty Feldman), who gets one from a jar he recalls was labeled, “Abby something – Abby Normal.” The scary giant seems likely to crush his creator, but the young Frankenstein wins him over with love, compassion, and showmanship.

Boyle’s heavy-booted soft-shoe routine to “Puttin’ On the Ritz”  is justifiably famous, but he shines in other moments as well, whether he’s suffering from the inept hospitality of a blind hermit (Gene Hackman, in perhaps his funniest role ever) or seducing Frankenstein’s frosty fiancée (Madeline Kahn).  Despite all the allusions to the original movies, Boyle isn’t really parodying Karloff: His monster is a creation all his own.

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