Frankenweenie

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Opening Title Card

Frankenweenie (1984) is one of Tim Burton's earlier films, a parody of the 1931 film Frankenstein based on Mary Shelley's book of the same name.

[edit] Plot

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Victor Frankenstein (played by Barret Oliver) is a young boy who creates movies starring his dog, Sparky. After Sparky is hit by a car, Victor learns at school about electrical impulses in muscles, and has the idea to bring his pet back to life. He arranges elaborate machinations which culminate in a lightning strike which restores the dog. While Victor is pleased, his neighbors are terrified by the animal, and when the Frankensteins decide to introduce the revitalized Sparky to them, they become angered and afraid. Sparky runs away, with Victor in pursuit, and they find themselves at a local miniature golf course, and its flagship windmill. The Frankensteins' neighbors, now an angry mob, arrive on the scene, and while using a cigarette lighter to try to see in, the windmill is accidentally lit on fire. Victor falls and is knocked out, but Sparky rescues him from the flames, in time to be crushed by the windmill. The mob realizes its error, and gather their cars, along with jumper cables, to "recharge" Sparky. He is revived, and all celebrate.

[edit] Controversy

It is rumored that Disney, who initially were to distribute the film, decided to shelve it after saying the content was too "questionable" for children, although what their specific complaints were is unclear. However, after the mainstream success of such Burton films as Beetlejuice, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, and Batman, the film was given a home video release. It is currently available as an extra, along with Vincent, on the Nightmare Before Christmas DVD and UMD for PSP.