Universal Studio's Classic Monsters

Have you ever wondered where horror movies began? Where the idea to bring intense fear to all audience members originated? The very first horror movies ever created, were brilliantly made by none other than Universal Studios, or previously known as Independent Moving Pictures Company. From 1910-1920 the company had little success in establishing themselves in the industry. They only released two movies, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and The Werewolf. Universal was sinking fast, and in a last ditch attempt to save their company the famous film The Hunchback of Notre Dame was created.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame stared Lon Chaney, a man who would later go on to be in numerous Universal films. For this film extravagant sets were made, including a recreation of the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral. This set still stands today, on the Universal back-lot. This was Universal's first success in the horror industry, and this paved the way for many more movies to be created. This was just the beginning of what Universal had to offer.

Inspired by the success of their previous movie, Universal decided to put together the masterpiece that is The Phantom of The Opera which was based off of a novel by Gaston Leroux. This movie, like its predecessor, was immensely popular. Following these films, a few more where created, such as: The Cat and The Canary, The Man Who Laughs, The Last Warning, and The Last Performance. 

In the early 1930's Universal began creating what would later be known as the main staples of their company, Dracula, and Frankenstein. These movies started off the careers of two of Universal's most famous actors, Bela Lugosi (Dracula) and Boris Karloff (Frankenstein). Despite these movies being produced in the midst of the Great Depression, they were the most successful horror movies of their time, and are to date considered to be the most famous of all Universal Monster's. These films set the standards and the cliches even for movies that are produced today in 2014.

Later on, many more films were created, all of which were greatly successful. Universal started as the underdogs in the film industry, and ended up creating a whole new genre of movie making. Their terrifying movie makeup, and talented actors, made it hard to compete. However, in a time where anything of the spooky sort was looked at as a sin, it was hard to beat the critiques. Universal conquered this feat, and went on to make original films and even offshoots of their own famous movies. Such as The Bride of Frankenstein. 

So next time you go to see a scary movie, keep in mind these extraordinary films, actors, and company that made it possible.

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