Which 1931 film starring Boris Karloff is based on Mary Shelley's novel?

The 1931 film Frankenstein, starring Boris Karloff, is based on Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Directed by James Whale for Universal Pictures, the film follows Henry Frankenstein, a scientist who assembles a body from stolen parts and brings it to life through a dramatic experiment.

Karloff plays the creature, whose imposing appearance—flat head, neck bolts, heavy boots, and scarred makeup—became the standard visual image of the Frankenstein monster. The film’s version differs substantially from Shelley’s novel, including its treatment of the scientist’s name and the creature’s largely silent behavior.

The production grew out of Universal’s successful cycle of horror films, following the popularity of Dracula in 1931. Colin Clive plays Henry Frankenstein, while Dwight Frye appears as the assistant Fritz. A 1935 sequel, Bride of Frankenstein, reunited Whale and Karloff and is often regarded as an even more ambitious companion to the original.