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Frankenstein and the Vampyre: A Dark and Stormy Night

Docudrama exploring one of the most significant moments in gothic history - the night when Mary Shelley, Lord Byron and their cohorts gathered at Lake Geneva to tell ghost stories.

A fascinating exploration of one of the most significant moments in gothic history - the night when Mary Shelley, Lord Byron and their cohorts gathered together at Lake Geneva to tell ghost stories. The night when Frankenstein and the modern vampire were born.

All those involved in the events of the summer of 1816 wrote about their life-changing stay in Switzerland. This dramatised documentary is based on their letters, journals and diaries. The film also draws on British Library manuscripts and archive, and brings together a stellar cast of gothic, horror and science fiction writers, including Neil Gaiman, Charlaine Harris and Margaret Atwood, to discuss why one single night had such a significant impact on our culture.

59 minutes

Last on

Tue 1 Nov 2016 00:45

Credits

Role Contributor
Lord Byron Rob Heaps
Mary Shelley Hannah Taylor Gordon
Percy Shelley Timothy Renouf
Claire Clairmont Catherine Lamb
John William Polidori Sam Swann
Director Philip Smith
Writer Philip Smith
Executive Producer Steve Condie
Producer Hugo Godwin
Production Company Oxford Scientific Films

Broadcasts

  • Sat 1 Nov 2014 21:00
  • Sat 1 Nov 2014 23:15
  • Tue 29 Mar 2016 02:50
  • Tue 1 Nov 2016 00:15
  • Tue 1 Nov 2016 00:45

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Explore a season dedicated to gothic literature, architecture, music and art.