"Dracula" Opened 95 Years Ago Today

Above, an original Dracula lobby card.

Did you know that Universal Pictures' Dracula (1931) starring Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, Dwight Frye, David Manners and Edward Van Sloan opened to theaters 95 years ago today?

Interestingly,  Universal first advertised 1931's Dracula as a love story when they opened it on Valentine's Day. 

Actor Dwight Frye (Renfield) gained movie immortality with this maniacal laugh:

A Spanish version was produced at the same time with different actors but with the same sets. Technically, many feel that the Spanish version was superior to the English (Lugosi) version. The Lugosi version was filmed during the day and the Spanish version was filmed at night. 

The movie ushered in Universal's monster movie franchises that are still popular today. 

Happy Halloween!

 

Rare "Dracula" On-Set Photo

This morning, I came across a photograph that was taken on the set of Universal's Dracula (1931) of Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler and director Tod Browning.

I had never seen this photo before (the best to my recollection). As you can see, Lugosi loved his cigars.

Lupita Tovar Dies At 106

Above, Lupita Tovar and Carlos Villarías in the Spanish Dracula. Universal Pictures photo.

Mexican actress Lupita Tovar, who played Eva Steward in Universal's 1931 Spanish version of Dracula has died.

According to The Hollywood Reporter:

Lupita Tovar, the Mexican actress who starred in the 1931 Spanish-language version of Dracula that was shot concurrently with the famed Bela Lugosi version, has died. She was 106. 

Tovar died Saturday, her niece, actress Lucy Tovar, said on Facebook. Several Mexican news outlets reported that she died in Los Angeles.

Many have said, and I agree, that cinematically, the Spanish version of Dracula was superior to the Bela Lugosi version. It had better camera shots and made better use of the same sets.

Tovar's character was the same one that Helen Chandler played, but her name was changed from Mina to Eva for the Spanish version and Tovar's wardrove was sexier than Chandler's.

To read more, go here.

Lugosi's "Dracula" Hits 80!

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. Okay, so what?

Well, it was 80 years ago yesterday that Universal Pictures' Dracula starring Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners, Dwight Frye and Edward Van Sloan, opened in theaters around the country.

Although it may be "slow and creaky" (according to some, but aren't we all?) in its staging, the movie still holds up thanks to the acting, particularly by Lugosi and Frye. For better or worse, Dracula made Bela Lugosi a star.

I still enjoy watching it.