Mad Monster Party

Mad Monster Party, released in 1967, is a stop-motion animated film that continues to enchant audiences with ingenious artistry, unique humour, and unforgettable characters - all creating an envelope of fun that transcends generations. This family-friendly, animated musical comedy leans heavily into the realm of camp and kitsch, with a lovingly playful nod to the horror genre, providing a mix of spookiness and humor that sets the foundation for its enduring charm.

The main cast consists of Boris Karloff, Allen Swift, and Gale Garnett. Boris Karloff, a reputable actor famed for his iconic portrayal of Frankenstein's monster, offers his unique voice to Baron Boris von Frankenstein, the central character of the film. Allen Swift, known for his eclectic vocal talents, voices several characters - most notably Felix Flankin, the unsuspecting and hapless nephew of the Baron, and Dracula. Gale Garnett sparkles in her role as Francesca, the Baron's gorgeous yet power-hungry assistant.

On the heels of their successful Christmas special, Rankin/Bass Productions leveraged their expertise in stop-motion animation—the "Animagic" technique—to craft this unique movie. The overall aesthetic is a blend of sophisticated craftsmanship and vintage charm, with meticulous attention to detail, making the film visually memorable.

This tongue-in-cheek homage to classic horror stories gets its narrative rolling when Baron Boris von Frankenstein achieves a revolutionary discovery: designing a secret formula capable of total destruction. Wishing to retire after this accomplishment, the Baron plans to host a global meeting for all known monsters at his private island. Prominent guests include parodies of classic monsters, such as Dracula, the Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Werewolf, amongst others. The exclusionary list even features a spoof of Peter Lorre and Phyllis Diller’s character, a treat for classic movie buffs.

Felix Flankin, a bumbling drugstore clerk (and Baron's only living relative), is also invited - without revealing the real nature of the party. Once Felix arrives, he becomes the fish out of water amidst the monster mash, injecting a substantial deal of comedy. As the character oblivious to the true identity of the party's attendees, Felix misinterprets the monsters' intentions, veiling the narrative with comedic situations.

Gale Garnett, as Francesca, adds diversity to the character ensemble. She echoes the style of the femme fatale characters popular in the film noir genre and her character development adds a unique twist to the plot. Francesca is illustrated with an elegance and allure that stands in sharp contrast to the amused caricatures of the monsters, creating an intriguing juxtaposition.

In true Rankin/Bass style, music is an essential component of Mad Monster Party. The original songs, interspersed throughout the film, add a lively rhythm to its pacing, and the lyrics cleverly narrate the unfolding plot points. From zany numbers that mirror the on-screen madness to romantic duets and heartful solos, these quirky melodic pieces amplify the film's energy and charm.

The screenplay combines elements of comedy, satire, horror, and romance. The dialogues are sharp and filled with dry wit, and numerous one-liners add to the humor. Despite the veneer of a children’s film, it manages to include subtle, sophisticated humor that could be appreciated by an adult audience.

Directed by Jules Bass and written by Len Korobkin and Harvey Kurtzman, Mad Monster Party has a runtime of 94 minutes. The movie, with its vibrant colours and effectual lighting, offers a delightfully eerie atmosphere. The kooky, semi-spooky environment coupled with whimsical humor, makes it a great Halloween movie choice for family.

In the end, Mad Monster Party is a real gem from the late 60s. It's an unforgettable visual experience with brilliant voice work and lively soundtrack. Synthesizing ingredients of horror, humor, and romance, all while adorned with catchy tunes, it remains an unmatched spectacle in rank with the other classics from Rankin/Bass legacy. This flick will charm both children and grown-ups, taking them to an imaginative journey into a world where monsters would party their hearts out on a desolate island, and human characters helplessly try to navigate their way through the madness.