One actor was Boris Karloff.
William Henry Pratt ( 23 November 1887 -- 2 February 1969 ) , better known by his stage name Boris Karloff , was an English actor who was primarily known for his typecast roles in horror films that depicted the characters Frankenstein and The Mummy . He portrayed Frankenstein 's monster in Frankenstein ( 1931 ) , Bride of Frankenstein ( 1935 ) , and Son of Frankenstein ( 1939 ) , which resulted in his immense popularity . He also appeared as Imhotep in The Mummy ( 1932 ) . His best-known non-horror role is as the Grinch , as well as the narrator , in the animated television special of Dr. Seuss 's How the Grinch Stole Christmas ! Scarface ( also known as Scarface : The Shame of the Nation and The Shame of a Nation ) is a 1932 American pre-Code gangster film starring Paul Muni as Antonio `` Tony '' Camonte .