Some time ago, when this whole pandemic thing started, I was posting a question about your favorites. It was basically done to give people quarantined at home something to do to help pass the time. Even though it was getting a pretty good response from people, after about a week though, I stopped. But I was recently reminded about something else it was doing, which was getting us fellow fans to communicate with each other, posting replies, and getting somewhat of a conversation going. Since we’re all fans of this great genre, no matter of your political, religious views, or whatever else, it was allowing fans to leave all that behind and just talk movies.
Another bonus about it was that it was also pointing out different titles that some of us had never seen yet, which in turn was helping spread the gospel to the fans, giving them something to seek out. In fact, one of the things I miss about conventions right now is those late night discussions with everyone throwing titles out left and right, coming away with a slew of new titles to look for.
So starting today, I’ll be posting a new question every week for Friday Favorites! Much like our Mystery Photo Monday, I’ll post a new question each Friday inquiring about a favorite of yours. Could be a favorite movie in a particular Sub-genre, or maybe an actor or director, but something to give you a chance to not only express your thoughts, but hopefully steer others into seeking something new out, or maybe even giving you something to seek out. Your reply doesn’t have to be an essay (unless you want to) but just a few sentences explaining why whatever you have chosen is your favorite.
For our first entry, we’re going to go with my personal favorite actor, Boris Karloff. I know this is an actor that all horror fans are familiar with so it should be an easy one to answer. And maybe there will be some titles out there that will steer some fans to dig a little deeper in their Karloff films. Now I understand that Karloff, and a lot of the actors that I might ask about played in a few non-horror roles, but I would like to focus on the horror genre here. Granted, if you threw in a second title that was outside the genre in your comment, well, I couldn’t really argue that, could I?
So let’s here it!
kitleyskrypt.com 
So many to choose from. Obviously #1 has to be the portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster but outside of that there are so many great performances. I am going to whittle it down to a tie between the twisted angry asylum master in Bedlam and the general from Isle of the Dead. Both great movies and both great performances.
Outside the genre, he will always have a place in my heart as the narrator of the best of the “How the Grinch stole Christmas” films.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another mention of Isle of the Dead! Nice. Okay, actually the first…I’m reading these backwards apparently!
And nice job mentioning Bedlam, another one that seems to get overlooked.
LikeLike
As cliche as it may be, it would have to be Frankenstein for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know you’re not going to get any argument from me with that choice…though, not sure if that would be my favorite performance.
LikeLike
You have to admit for not having any dialogue and being heavily laden with make-up, heavy shoes and other movement restricting paraphernalia; he manage to convey a tone of emotion and pathos as Frankenstein’s monster. That takes some fantastic acting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This isn’t letting me reply directly to your comment below, Chris, but yes, I wouldn’t argue for a second about Karloff’s performance as the creature. That film is in my Top Ten of all time. But when looking strictly at Karloff’s different roles, I still would rate his performance in Body Snatcher as my favorite. Again, not my favorite Karloff movie, but favorite performance. I know…kind of confusing and maybe I better explain it better next time.
LikeLike
About to publish a review of it, but Karloff rocks in Isle of the Dead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Yes he does. And an underrated film too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
While, as Ryan and Chris pointed out, his performance of the creature in Frankenstein is honestly legendary. Between him and Pierce’s makeup, they really had a big part in making that movie (and character) immortal.
But for best performance, I’m going to have to go with Cabman John Gray in Robert Wise’s The Body Snatcher. How he twists the evil he really is, inside a nice smile, while tormenting poor old Dr. “Toddy” McFarlane every second he can, is no easy task, but Karloff pulls it off brilliantly.
Again, as a few have already mentioned, so many great performances, it is hard to pick. That’s where the fun begins.
And yes, who didn’t grow up watching the Grinch, before knowing that voice was that of Frankenstein’s Monster!?!?!
One last thing…everyone that is enjoying this, can thank Chris Dyer for prodding me a bit to start these back up.
LikeLike
Okay, that does it! I am going to have to rent that movie! I just recently read about it in Horror 101 and now you mention it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You won’t be disappointed.
LikeLike
Thank you Chris!!!
LikeLike
Well Frankenstein is an obvious choice as mentioned above. Outside of Frankenstein I’d have to go with Body Snatchers as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
some very good ideas for weekend viewing! thx!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My favorite Karloff performances would have to be his immortal role as Im-Ho-Tep in THE MUMMY and his memorable role in THE BODYSNATCHER.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Mummy is one of those where once again his character is very underplayed but Karloff is still able to emote so much from his look.
LikeLike
Lately, I have been enjoying 2 of Karloff’s last films – Targets and Curse of the Crimson Altar – both from 1968. Targets has an excellent Karloff performance and Crimson Altar is just fun – and it is great to see Karloff with Christopher Lee.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am a big fan of Targets, the way it blends the old with the new beautifully. But Crimson Alter, I’ve only seen it once and it just seems like its missing something. I know there is a cut version and I thought I had seen the uncut print, but at this point I don’t know. Yes, it does have a great cast with not only Lee and Karloff but Barbara Steele as well. Guess I’ll need to give it another rewatch.
LikeLike