Whale, James (1889-1957), was an English-born motion-picture director known for his classic horror films. Whale’s reputation rests on four horror movies—Frankenstein (1931), The Old Dark House (1932), The Invisible Man (1933), and The Bride of Frankenstein (1935). These films set a high standard for intelligence and restraint in a field known for shock and sensationalism. Whale’s best work has been praised for its fluid camera work, sense of atmosphere, and dry humor.
Whale was born in on July 22, 1889, in Dudley, England. He began his career in the theater as an actor and set designer. Whale moved to Hollywood to direct the motion-picture version of Journey’s End (1930), a hit play he had directed in England. Except for one small film made in 1949, he retired from motion-picture directing in the early 1940’s. Whale’s other films include Remember Last Night? (1935), Show Boat (1936), and The Man in the Iron Mask (1939).
Whale died under mysterious circumstances on May 29, 1957. His body was found in his swimming pool in Hollywood, and he probably committed suicide by drowning.
