Jack Pierce Frankenstein reference head

[Universalrocks]

Found a very interesting Youtube Video. Look for yourself, does this seem legit? I think so. Fast forward to 15:01 to see the above mentioned Frankenstein head. Also he shows a Karloff face cast that is supposed to be him in a test makeup for the Bride of Frankenstein, this one I have my doubts about it being authentic.

https://youtu.be/y29SZa9UfwE?si=H5IwdQPTFYWJk9uW

[Sir Masksalot]

I don't see Jack ...

[Dr.Terror]

I think its just another casting from the same mold.   The copy Pierce used had screen accurate  neck bolts I believe  and was wearing a hairpiece.

[Mike Scott]

Cutting to the chase.

https://youtu.be/y29SZa9UfwE?t=916

[MrDark1]

Amazing!  That this has survived too. 
This head, and the Victoria/Albert full costume and head from Bride-Fantastic! We are so lucky that these still exists from our beloved films.

Not so sure on the life mask from Bride.  Having hairs in the plaster is interesting, but I was rather surprised to see the back plaster so white, and clean looking.

The hand is Karloffs’ and a dummy was used for stand in on lab table.  There is a still from film of this scene with obvious covered dummy prop, with a bad manikin hand showing.  Looks like what the 30’s style manikin figures looked at that time. 

Note the hanging criminal, that Fritz, and Dr Frankenstein cut down, and note his style hand.  Typical style then, as can be seen in 3Stooges shorts of this period, in scenes with standing dummy props.

[Universalrocks]

 I have only seen the one photo of the Victoria/Albert full costume, does anyone know if there are any others. Has it ever been on display, or is it in storage? Wish there was some video of it also. I would love to know the history after filming etc.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[MrDark1]

There are photos of the VA Bride head bust with Jack Pierce posing with it.  I have a great close up photo of this head, could be used as it’s head shot for acting jobs.

These are two different heads.  He has the model head shown in behind the scenes stills from Frankenstein.  Jack Pierce posing in lab, as he sculpts on small-large eye monster head.  He is seated next to bust of Karloff monster, which is this found head.  Another still has Karloff, and Pierce in same make up studio, and this dummy head/bust is profiled looking on at them.

These pics are seen in his YouTube video, just reference for those who can’t see it.  These stills are often seen, and I hope someone can post them here.

[MrDark1]

Universalrocks-yes there is an excellent video from the VictoriaAlbert museum that is online from BBC.
Sorry I don’t have link, and it is not seen on BBC America channels. 

They keep it in storage as they are doing some extensive restorations on the costume, which they show in great detail.  They invited several scholars to look the figure over.  The costume was found to have Karloff name hand written just inside pant zipper, as all production, screen worn costumes are done.

Very interesting video, recommend it highly!

There are also pics of this dummy from the auction catalog it was sold from several yrs ago.

[Universalrocks]

Than you so much for this information. I will see what I can find.

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[Universalrocks]

I found some good information here.             https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1314760/the-bride-of-frankenstein-prop-west-vera/                          This link below gives a very good account of the history of what happened with the costume.              https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11094601/amp/V-row-Californian-museum-insists-seven-foot-Frankenstein-dummy-sold-without-consent.html     

Sent from my SM-G781U using Tapatalk

[Dr.Terror]

I dont think thats the head used by Pierce.   I highly doubt a piece of movie history.. we are only just now  hearing about,   is in some random tattoo guys store.


They totally ruined that Bride Frank prop with that paintjob.

[Dr.Terror]

31 head.  With screen accurate bolts and Max Factor hairpiece.



Bride head

[MrDark1]

Thank you Dr Terror, yep that’s the head from the Pierce studio from Frankenstein as the pic of Karloff and Pierce shows.  That is the head the tattoo artist now owns.  So cool this has turned up.
This looks authentic to my eyes, if not, it is one Fantastic artist copy.  You can hardly see something so convincing as this looks, again to me, and I have always studied and looked at this stuff from these films.

[Dr.Terror]

Its most likely another casting from the same mold made for a wax musuem.     It has different neck bolts and punched hair.       


Better shot of the Bride head.

[Mike Scott]

Here are some grabs for study.