**James Whale (1889-1957)** was an influential British director, celebrated for his contribution to classic Hollywood horror cinema in the 1930s.

His most iconic works include *Frankenstein* (1931), *The Old Dark House* (1932), *The Invisible Man* (1933), and, often considered his masterpiece, *Bride of Frankenstein* (1935). Whale was known for his distinctive style, which combined an evocative Gothic atmosphere with a sharp sense of dark humor and a deep empathy for marginalized characters, often the "monsters" themselves.

His direction was visually sophisticated, elevating the horror genre to more complex and psychological art forms. He left an indelible mark on film history and popular culture.