James Whale

James Whale (July 22, 1896-May 29, 1957) was a film director. Born in Dudley, England, his family was too poor to afford him an extensive education and he worked in a foundry while attending evening classes in art.

He was best known for his work in the horror genre, making such films as Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, and The Invisible Man. He was also responsible for such major films as Waterloo Bridge, Show Boat, and The Man in the Iron Mask.

Whale was portrayed by actor Ian McKellen in the 1998 film Gods and Monsters, which won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Whale is the subject of the novel Father of Frankenstein by Christopher Bram, which was the basis for the film.

Filmography

• Journey's End (1930)
• Waterloo Bridge (1931)
• Frankenstein (1931)
• The Impatient Maiden (1932)
• The Old Dark House (1932)
• The Kiss Before the Mirror (1933)
• The Invisible Man (1933)
• By Candlelight (1933)
• One More River (1934)
• The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
• Show Boat (1936)
• The Road Back (1937)
• The Great Garrick (1937)
• Sinners in Paradise (1938)
• Wives Under Suspicion (1938)
• Port of Seven Seas (1938)
• The Man in the Iron Mask (1939)
• Green Hell (1940)
• They Dare Not Love (1941)

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James Whale is also the name of a UK radio and television broadcaster. He has hosted a number of radio and TV phone-in shows in which he cuts off any caller who bores or annoys him - in other words, just about everybody.