DWIGHT FRYE AS FRITZ

Jack Pierce not only was famous for creating the makeup for Boris Karloff in the 1931 Universal Picture, FRANKENSTEIN, he also created many memorable character actors as well. The publicity picture above shows his makeup for Fritz, Henry Frankenstein's assistant. The photo is most likely by Jack Fruelich.

FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER TEST MAKEUP

The photo above of Karloff in a test makeup by Jack Pierce for FRANKENSTEIN was most likely a promo still that was distributed by Universal after the film was released. Below is a colorized photo of Pierce beginning his ministrations and on his way to a makeup masterpiece.

HOW TO MAKE A FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER

This article, written by Don Sheppard, appeared in the third issue of Fantastic Monsters of the Films (1962), wherein Jack Pierce's technique for the monster in Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein is revealed. Even early on, film monster magazine editors were acknowledging Pierce's craft.

The article actually focuses on Boris Karloff, who tells of the hours sitting in the makeup chair while Pierce made him into the monster. Karloff emphasizes the discomfort that he went through to endure the iconic transformations.

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

In this LIFE magazine special edition that was published last year, Jack gets a full page recognition as the creator of the monster's makeup. He is shown with his assistant, Otto Lederer. Interesting that he was also named as the "designer" of Dracula.

FRANKENSTEIN IN PHOTOPLAY

No mention of the man behind the monster, but a nice early shot of Karloff in his makeup nevertheless. The pic, shown in the November, 1931 issue of PHOTOPLAY just before FRANKENSTEIN's premiere on November 21, makes note of the "mechanical knob" on the side of the monster's neck.

RARE PAIR OF FRANKENSTEIN PHOTOS

You may have seen these images before, but not quite like this. In March, 2011 Heritage Auctions offered two photos of Karloff from the 1931 Frankenstein, The one pictured above is one of Pierce's makeups that was not used in the film and sold for over $1000. The photo below was the image used on the movie herald and sold for over $1500.

Both 8"x10" gelatin silver photographs are original "first photos" from the film. The photos were most likely taken by Universal staff photographer Jack Freulich.