The dual role of Mary Shelley and the Monster’s Mate in “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935) was originally offered to Brigitte Helm but she had recently married and refused to leave Germany.
Louise Brooks was another actress considered by James Whale for the role before Elsa Lanchester was ultimately cast.
Lanchester was not the only person to have a dual role in this film.
In addition to her role as Minnie, Una O’Connor also appeared in the prologue, as Shelley’s maid who is holding the leash as the dogs go off screen.
David Niven screen tested for the role of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley in the introductory sequence but was passed over.
Several scenes were cut after censor’s objections.
References to the scandalous sexual arrangements of Mary, Shelley, and Byron were eliminated, particularly the line of dialogue: “We are all three infidels, scoffers at all marriage ties, believing only in living freely and fully.” Breen’s office also objected to shots they considered too revealing of Lanchester’s cleavage in the prologue. (IMDb)
Happy Birthday, Mary Shelley!