Dracula (1931)

Dracula is the daddy of all horror film monsters, and the film Dracula is certainly the daddy of all horror films. Bela Lugosi’s portrayal of the most famous of vampires stands as one of the best despite three quarters of a century worth of imitators. Most of the imagery we associate with Halloween comes from the innovative set designs featured in Dracula. He is one of the original Universal Monsters.

Plot summary for Dracula:
Renfield completes a treacherous journey through the Carpathian mountains to Castle Dracula only to be drugged by the vampire and turned into a protector for Dracula’s long voyage to England. There, Count Dracula claims his new home, Carfax Abbey and turns Lucy into a vampire. A young woman named Mina then catches Dracula’s attention. Dr. Van Helsing is summoned to aid the ailing Mina. Van Helsing discover that Count Dracula is indeed a vampire and comes to the aid of young Mina on behalf of her fiance, Jonathan Harker.

Memorable scene from Dracula:
The killing scenes of this Dracula are all memorable and remarkable for the lack of violence or gore. The violense is suggested rather than shown. When Dracula goes for the bite, the shot either fades out or the action happens just out of camera view. It’s pretty effective. Our minds imagine something worse than what the film could ever have shown at the time.

Memorable quote from Dracula:
“For one who has not lived even a single lifetime, you’re a wise man, Van Helsing.”

Why Socreepy loves Dracula:
Bela Lugosi embodies the role of Count Dracula and gives the vampire role of all time the respect it has retained for three quarters of a century and counting. Not far behind by Dwight Frye as the fly-eating Renfield.

Frightening Fact:
Bela Lugosi brought a creepy, slow and deliberate delivery to the famous Count Dracula. This had more to do with his marginal understanding of the English language and the phonetic way in which he had learned his lines. The effect, however, is perfect.