Customer Reviews

Kenneth Strickfaden, Dr. Frankenstein's Electrician

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As a sci-fi buff growing up and watching those sci-fi movies I always wondered where those awesome special electrical effects came from. In those days special effects (FX) were not computer generated but in fact done live. This book answers the question of where these electrical FX came from. A compelling as well as fascinating read, making you want to revisit those films again and head to the rental store just to see those FX once again.

This is a great story about the little-known genius behind the creation of the mad-scientist labs in so many of the old horror films we all love, Dr. Frankenstein's lab being the most famous and familiar. You get a feel for what was happening in the world that reflected in Strickfaden's life at various stages and it's fun to read some of the Hollywood set stories.This book is obviously written by someone who has a great respect for the person and the talent embodied in Kenneth Srtickfaden.
The photos are facinating as are the several pages of the original sketches for the equipment he made.
(By the way, you can see a glimpse of Strickfaden in the trailer with Mel Brooks on the DVD of Young Frankenstein, also highly recommended.)

Harry Goldman did an excellent job on reporting on Ken Strickfadens life and achievements. He also proved that nothing comes close to real sparks for a movie. Reccomend this book for movie buffs, Nikola Tesla fans, and historians!