Perhaps the definitive adaptation? But would Mary Shelley's book have as many laughs as Young Frankenstein?
It was back to the classics for the Tyneside Book Club in November as members tackled Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
For some this was a return to a book they had read previously, for others a chance to sample the source of so many TV and film adaptations.
Although people were glad to have read or re-read it, there were mixed opinions on how much members actually enjoyed the experience. Some found it a little heavy going, and riddled with implausibilities.
But there were admirers too who found it fascinating to explore a book that has had such a profound impact on our culture.
All agreed though that were fascinating and complex themes being explored - from what it's like to be human to the perils of pushing scientific exploration too far.
Members were also struck by the fact that Shelley was only 19 when it was published, and at that age she had produced a work that perhaps outshines anything written by her husband.
Others though did sense some naivete in the slightly overblown Gothic plot, and it was clear this was at a time when the novel was still finding its form.
Members though did find the book accessible, and that tension built as the Creature and creator began pursuing each other. Many admired the descriptions of landscape and place, from Central Europe to the Arctic.
Some found the framing device on the icebound Arctic voyage unnecessary, but for others it added to the complexity of the themes.
Many were surprised at the absence of detail about the making of the Creature - a contrast with many of the film adaptations.
One member also suggested that it was Frankenstein and not the Creature that left a trail of death across Europe.
Overall, some members felt that it was a book they admired more than loved, but for others this was a classic in every sense of the word - one member declaring it was the best the club had ever read.
Even for those with doubts though it did conjure up some happy memories of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein.
For some this was a return to a book they had read previously, for others a chance to sample the source of so many TV and film adaptations.
Although people were glad to have read or re-read it, there were mixed opinions on how much members actually enjoyed the experience. Some found it a little heavy going, and riddled with implausibilities.
But there were admirers too who found it fascinating to explore a book that has had such a profound impact on our culture.
All agreed though that were fascinating and complex themes being explored - from what it's like to be human to the perils of pushing scientific exploration too far.
Members were also struck by the fact that Shelley was only 19 when it was published, and at that age she had produced a work that perhaps outshines anything written by her husband.
Others though did sense some naivete in the slightly overblown Gothic plot, and it was clear this was at a time when the novel was still finding its form.
Members though did find the book accessible, and that tension built as the Creature and creator began pursuing each other. Many admired the descriptions of landscape and place, from Central Europe to the Arctic.
Some found the framing device on the icebound Arctic voyage unnecessary, but for others it added to the complexity of the themes.
Many were surprised at the absence of detail about the making of the Creature - a contrast with many of the film adaptations.
One member also suggested that it was Frankenstein and not the Creature that left a trail of death across Europe.
Overall, some members felt that it was a book they admired more than loved, but for others this was a classic in every sense of the word - one member declaring it was the best the club had ever read.
Even for those with doubts though it did conjure up some happy memories of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein.
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