 | |
| Victor Moritz | |
| Franchise: | Universal Monsters |
| Notability: | Supporting character |
| Gender: | Male |
| Location: | Frankenstein Village, Switzerland |
| Status: | Deceased by virtue of time era |
| First: | Frankenstein (1931) |
| Actor: | John Boles |
Victor Moritz is a fictional character featured in the classic Universal Monsters film series. Played by actor John Boles, he appeared in the 1931 film Frankenstein. This was the character's only appearance in any of the Universal Classics Horror series.
Overview[]
Victor Moritz was a friend and confidante of the Frankenstein family. He would visit Frankenstein Castle where he discuss matters with Elizabeth concerning the health and welfare of her husband-to-be, Henry Frankenstein. Victor and Elizabeth both tried to pry Henry away from his laboratory watchtower, but he always rebuffed their efforts.
Notes & Trivia[]
- The character of Victor Moritz was created by director James Whale and screenwriters Garrett Fort and Francis Edward Faragoh based upon a composition drafted by John L. Balderston, which in turn, was inspired by concepts developed by author Mary Shelley.
- Victor Moritz is actually an amalgamation of several different characters featured in the 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Godfrey Shelley. His first name is taken from Victor Frankenstein, who is the main character of the story, though this was changed for the film. His surname is taken from Justine Moritz, who was a maid for the Frankenstein family, and falsely accused (and summarily executed) for the murder of Victor's brother, William; a murder that was actually committed by the Frankenstein Monster. In terms of literary context however, Victor Moritz is actually an analog of a character named Henry Clerval, who was Victor Frankenstein's lifelong friend.
- Although Victor Moritz had a heavy presence in Frankenstein, the character noticeably absent in the film's sequel, The Bride of Frankenstein, which is strange as that film takes place immediately following the events of Frankenstein. Perhaps Victor wasn't as concerned about his old friend's state of health that much after all, eh?
- Playing the part of Victor Moritz is actor John Boles' twenty-third work in a feature film. He appeared in fifty-six films in total. Boles was 37-years-old at the time that Frankenstein was being filmed. He was two-years older than leading actor Colin Clive.