Of Gods and Monsters

<p> While Universal's <I>Dracula</I> and <I>Frankenstein</I> (both 1931) have received the most coverage of any of the studio's genre releases it is the lesser known films that have long fascinated fans and historians alike. Starting with <I>The Last Warning</I> a 1929 movie released as both a silent and a talkie Universal provided a decade of films that entertained audiences and sometimes frustrated critics.</p><p> Each of Universal's horror science fiction and twisted mystery films receives an in-depth essay for each film. The focus is first on the background to the making of the movie and its place in the Universal catalog. A detailed plot synopsis with critical commentary follows. Filmographic data for the film conclude the entry. Universal's <I>The Shadow</I> short film series is covered in an appendix. Many rare illustrations and movie posters are also included.</p>