The Film Detective (TFD), the classic media streaming network and film archive that restores and distributes classic films, is releasing a special-edition version of the 1950s cult classic, “Frankenstein’s Daughter” (1958), starring John Ashley and Sandra Knight, on Blu-ray and DVD October 19, 2021.
Fans of low-budget horror will recognize many familiar faces, including John Ashley, Harold Lloyd, Jr., and former Playboy Playmate of the Month, Sally Todd. For director Richard E. Cunha, “Frankenstein’s Daughter” was released in the heat of a historic year for low-budget favorites, also having directed such cult classics as “She Demons” (1958), “Giant from the Unknown” (1958), and “Missile to the Moon” (1958).
“Frankenstein’s Daughter” finds Dr. Oliver Frank (Donald Murphy) carrying on the legacy of his late grandfather, the notorious Dr. Frankenstein, by building his own hulking beast with the transplanted brain of a beautiful young woman. Bringing a fresh twist to Frankenstein films, “Frankenstein’s Daughter” takes place in ”modern” Los Angeles, where—despite news reports of a female monster menacing the neighborhood—nothing stops the local sun-soaked teenagers from partying poolside.
This special-edition release marks the latest in a series of collaborations between The Film Detective and The Wade Williams Collection. Restorations of “Flight to Mars” (1951), “Giant From the Unknown” (1958), and “The Other Side of Madness” (1971) have also been released recently on special-edition Blu-ray and DVD.
The new Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD release of “Frankenstein’s Daughter” will include the following special features:
- Audio commentary track with author and historian Tom Weaver
- Full color booklet with original essay by Weaver
- Richard E. Cunha: Filmmaker of the Unknown, a new retrospective from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures, featuring an archival interview with the famed director
- John Ashley: Man from the B’s, a new career retrospective featuring film historian C. Courtney Joyner
“Frankenstein’s Daughter” will be available on October 19 on Blu-ray ($24.95) and DVD ($19.95) and can be pre-ordered now via Amazon.
