Curse of Frankenstein, The (1957, GBR) C-83m. *** D: Terence Fisher. Starring Peter Cushing, Hazel Court, Robert Urquhart, Christopher Lee. One of Hammer Films' first chillers, this also initiated the long-running FRANKENSTEIN series. Cushing plays Victor Frankenstein with great conviction, who starts experimenting with human body parts. Urquhart is his friend and conscience, Court his love interest. A bit slow and simplified from Mary Shelley's classic novel, but teaming of Cushing and Lee is one of their most impressive (especially Lee's zombie-like monster). Written by Jimmy Sangster. Followed by six sequels, starting with THE REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1958).