Commemorating: Frankenstein’s Monster, The Mummy & The Body Snatcher
Issued by: English Heritage
Street: Forest Hill Road
Postcode: SE23
Okay, we admit it. This Blue Plaque isn’t really dedicated to the trio of horrors listed above… but it does commemorate a genuine London movie legend. William Henry Pratt (born in south London, raised in Enfield) left England in 1909 for North America where, under the stage name of Boris Karloff, he embarked upon the life of an thesp. Supplementing his initially sporadic acting career with periods of manual labour, it was not until 1931 and his iconic portrayal of The Monster in James Whale’s inaugural “talkie” version of Frankenstein that he became a star. In addition to his famous horror roles – as The Mummy and in The Body Snatcher – Karloff enjoyed a long and varied stage career, starring in the works of Jean Annouilh, J.M Barrie and J.B Priestly on Broadway. His ghost is said to haunt Hollywood & Vine.
A London Walk costs £9 – £7 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
