Universal Monsters season is almost over as they have finally descended into parody. This week we talk about one of the most polarizing of all of the Universal Monster movies - Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein. Find out how Bela Lugosi finally got to return to the role of Dracula, what studio changes lead to the Monsters going away again for an extended period, a dive into the argument of whether or not this film is canon and so much more

You liked 2 monsters eh? Here, have alllll the monsters. This week on Seeking Human Victims, we're getting to the end of the line of Universal Monsters season with House Of Frankenstein. Boris Karloff returns to the monsterverse, but this time playing the mad doctor and Glen Strange debuts as Frankenstein's monster under the wing of Karloff himself. Lon Chaney, Jr returns for his 3rd performance as Larry Talbot and John Carradine debuts as Count Dracula in what is the 3rd Wolf Man film, and also the 6th Frankenstein film, and the 4th Dracula film. 

This week we look at the first ever cinematic universe crossover film as Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man. The 2nd Wolf Man sequel and simultaneously the 5th sequel to Frankenstein sees Bela Lugosi fulfill his original destiny as Frankenstein's Monster, Lon Chaney, Jr return to the role that was exclusively his, and a gigantic editorial mess as the film bombs with test audiences and has to be recut into an almost completely different film. But with a great monster fight and gigantic historical importance, the film has its virtues. We'll give you the full scoop on the great grandfather of the MCU and other shared cinematic universes.

Even a man who is pure of heart and says his prayers by night, can enjoy our podcast when wolfsbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright. Or something like that. Our journey into Universal Monsters moves into the next decade as we meet the obvious heir apparent to be the face of this decade, Lon Chaney, Jr. His rise to this role wasn't exactly what you'd imagine when you normally think of hollywood nepotism, though and we'll learn the fascinating story of how he came to eclipse the shade of his legendary father even if he didn't realise he had done so.  We also learn how nothing you thought you knew about Werewolf lore is true and most all of it comes from writer Curt Siodmak and this film . Don't get bitten! Watch out for pentagrams magically appearing on your hand! And be sure to tune into this episode.  Also we'll feature special musical guest "Poltergeist" of the HorrorCore Rap world and his song "Tall Man."

On this week's episode, love hurts...especially if you "Belong dead." We celebrate Valentine's day with the first ever Universal Monster Sequel as we unearth The Bride Of Frankenstein. We'll look at how director James Whale butted heads with the studio throughout the process, Boris Karloff's objections with the monster speaking, the fascinating story of Elsa Lanchester, and how even though it was a seemingly cursed production and way over budget, Bride Of Frankenstein ended up being one of the most beloved films of all time. 

The Universal Monsters season continues with perhaps the most underrated of the bunch as Claude Raines stars in "The Invisible Man". We learn about the groundbreaking effects that created the invisibility, the literary origins and how this film differs from the book, how James Whale recruited writer RC Sheriff,  how this film has by far the largest body count of any of theses movies, and so much more. Get a little silly with us as we explore this 1933 classic. 

As "Universal Monsters" season continues we're opening the tomb of THE MUMMY (1932) starring Boris Karloff and Zita Johann. We'll discuss how the Howard Carter dig and Tut-mania lead to the first Universal Horror property not specifically based off a literary work, how this is the film that cements Karloff's legacy as the new "man of 1000 faces" as he endures another torturous yet masterful makeup design from Jack Pierce, we'll discuss the contentious relationship between Johann and director Karl Freund, and the vast legacy this film has left behind. Also, for a film as famous as this one is, we talk about how it is kind of surprising that it is often not the one people remember when discussing what they think is the original "mummy". 

"It's Alive! It's allliiiiiiveee!!!" - Ok, so we've been waiting to do that since the season was announced. Season 5 continues our look at Universal Monsters with FRANKENSTEIN (1931). We'll look at how Universal found even greater success with another literary adaptation, compare the differences from the source material, find out what the film added to the Frankenstein lore that most people know today (Spoiler. Almost everything.) The punishment Karloff endured for the makeup. The launch of Jack Pierce as an icon himself and much, much more.

Our journey into the world of horror history and Universal Horror continues full steam ahead  with the first full length episode about one of the most iconic fictional characters of all time, Dracula and the 1931 film starring Bela Lugosi. On this episode we'll learn how original author Bram Stoker didn't see the success of his novel during his lifetime, and how his widow sued the creators of Nosferatu for using the story without permission and how that all leads to Carl Laemmle Jr sweeping in to make the first legally authorized version of the story. We'll learn about how Bela Lugosi was NOT the studio's first choice to play the role despite his success playing the character on Broadway, the fascinating tale of director and silent film legend Tod Browning and the rumors around what his level of contribution actually was, the tragic tale of Bela Lugosi and so much more. Dan has gone over hours of material to compile the discussion topics for this season and we're confident Universal Monsters will be our crowning achievement. Tell your friends!!! Available at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seeking-human-victims-podcast/id1435412659 https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/seeking-human-victims-podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/61LgiOEVE8NRg5Kd7WvBh5 and on all other major podcast providers!

In this special episode zero, a prelude to Universal Monsters, we'll trace the roots of horror from the silent era, how Carl Laemmle built Universal Pictures and literally created the movie studio system in the process, and the rise of Lon Chaney and how the man of 1000 faces was the first true horror icon. We'll also talk about how the financial woes of the great depression set the company up for an unlikely savior as the new wave of horror films ushered in by Carl Laemmle, Jr, would help keep the studio afloat during the worst financial crisis in U.S. history.