Notes:
Dracula: Bela Lugosi
Renfield: Dwight Frye
Also starring Helen Chandler, Edward Van Sloan, David Manners.
Summary: Count Dracula, a social pariah in his native
Transylvania, relocates to England, where he attempts to add to
his harem of blonde, bloodless beauties. The persevering Professor
Van Helsing seeks to foil Dracula's evil agenda.
Commentary:
This is the original!
Dialogue: Count Dracula's lines are priceless. Renfield
whines incessantly. They just don't make movies like they used
to.
Vampires: Traditional or Not? This IS the tradition!
In fact, the first two reels of the movie were lifted verbatim
from Bram Stoker's classic novel of horror.
Vampires: Physical Appeal: The unblinking Count Dracula
is, at first glance, a dark, debonair and dashing gentleman.
As the movie progresses, however, his disturbingly inhuman qualities
surface, making him a truly frightening individual.
Gore Factor: Much is left to your imagination. Not one
drop of blood is spilled.
Scariness/Suspense: The lack of bloodshed, combined with
Count Dracula's creepy demeanor, make this movie all the more
suspenseful. Tod Browning's stagey direction (this is a film
version of the stage play) gives the film an otherworldly quality,
which is appropriate.
Target Audience: This movie is a must for horror aficionados
and anyone who enjoys more intellectual suspense.