Bride of Frankenstein : This is not debatable: James Whale was trolling the studio and audiences

After being dogged for years to direct a Frankenstein sequel, he finally agreed.

And then wryly made a winky, campy, dark comedy, purely for his own enjoyment.

Thankfully there are many great moments that can be taken at dramatic face value as well.

Everything with the Bride is brilliant.

But Minnie, the tiny clones/monstrosities, the monster puffing away on cigars and downing wine with a huge grin, that's all so knowingly camp.