Our Favorite Movies: Universal Monster Movies with Alex Beene

In 1931, Universal Studios established cinema’s first shared universe by releasing the likes of Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Wolf Man and Creature from the Black Lagoon. The careers of Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney Jr. (among many others) were established during this impressively influential period spanning multiple decades.

To discuss this treasure trove of films, we’re joined by Alex Beene; an author, educator, and early film aficionado. He’s served as an underwriter on a number of silent and early sound film restorations for the San Francisco Silent Film Festival and has had a fascination with Universal Horror films since he was five-years-old.

Join us for part one of a two part discussion on the history of these films, compelling insights into their production and a surprise bid for the Perfect Film out of the set.