The Adult Version of Frankenstein

The story of “Frankenstein", long-accepted as the classic horror tale, is as well-known today as when it was first published over a hundred years ago. This reputation achieved in spite of the limitations imposed on the book by the puritanical mores of the day. Powerful censors substituted uncovered for naked, extremity for leg, charms for breasts, strawberries for nipples, thing for penis, stones for balls, place for cunt, occupy for fuck—thus depriving the writer of the times of any freedom of realistic expression. But suppose such limitations had been lifted? Suppose episodes, adventures, descriptions, dialogue, and vocabulary (especially where sexual in nature) were no longer blue-pencilled by a severe censorship. There can be no doubt that if this were the case, masterpieces such as “Frankenstein” would be even more realistic and more graphic. The adaptation of “Frankenstein” by Hal Kantor has achieved this goal. The story, though still occurring in its original setting in time and place, has been expanded and liberated and now includes a story-line, details, and wording that would have been deleted by prudish censors.