She’s Alive

Revived corpses and murderous dolls need love, too, which explains the “Bride of” sequels for Frankenstein, Re-Animator and Child’s Play. Director Terence Fisher, having demonstrated his mastery of the monster-needs-mate genre with 1960’s Brides of Dracula, twisted the template with 1967’s Frankenstein Created Woman. Baron Frankenstein (Peter Cushing, who played the mad scientist in six films) transfuses the brain of the recently (and wrongfully) executed Hans into the body of the hapless convict’s young lover, Christine, who committed suicide after his death. Using Hans’ memories, Christine seeks violent revenge against those who bore false witness against him. Four decades later, this remains the definitive cinematic depiction of metaphysically challenging gender-bending vengeance from beyond the grave. Tonight at 6, Frankenstein Created Woman screens for free at the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library (625 Minnesota Avenue, 913-551-3280). It’s the first installment in the “Happy Hammer Halloween” series, which showcases films from ’50s and ’60s horror powerhouse Hammer Studios.

Mon., Oct. 1, 6 p.m., 2007