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Quick Links 'Dracula' Is a Trailblazing Masterpiece in Horror Cinema Bela Lugosi's Timeless Portrayal of Dracula

Undeniably one of the silver screen's finest masterpieces and a touchstone in horror cinema, the 1931 supernatural sensation Dracula features an incomparable performance by Hungarian-American actor Bela Lugosi, who brilliantly brought the Bram Stoker antagonist to life and set the precedent for future interpretations of the legendary vampire. The overwhelming success and impact of the cinematic staple helped shape the horror genre and led to more exciting Universal Monster movies like Frankenstein, The Mummy, and The Invisible Man, while establishing Lugosi as one of Hollywood's most recognizable talents.

Though many more prominent actors like Christopher Lee, Gary Oldman, and most recently Bill Skarsgård (in the Dracula adjacent Nosferatu) would tackle the role of the iconic blood-sucker, none have been able to match the menace and magic Lugosi embodied on screen 94 years ago...

He brought one of the most iconic characters of all time to life on the silver screen with his portrayal of Count Dracula in 1931, but there is still much about Béla Lugosi that is waiting to be discovered, and in his new book Béla Lugosi: The Man Behind the Cape, author Robert Cremer shines a celebratory light on Lugosi's amazing life like never before. With Béla Lugosi: The Man Behind the Cape now on Kickstarter via Clover Press, we caught up with Cremer and Béla Lugosi's granddaughter and CEO of Lugosi Enterprises, Lynne Lugosi Sparks, to discuss what readers can expect from the ambitious new biography!

Thank you for taking the time to answer questions for us, Robert, and congratulations on your new biography Béla Lugosi: The Man Behind the Cape! When did your fascination with Béla Lugosi begin, and what made you want to write a biography about the legendary actor?...

Quentin Tarantino, known for his iconic movies, is a massive fan of horror films, and his favorites include classics like Jaws and The Exorcist. Tarantino's love for horror influences his filmmaking, evident in his non-horror movies that often include intense and bloody scenes. Tarantino appreciates a wide range of horror movies, from comedy horrors like Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein to revenge films like Audition.

One of the most iconic movie directors of all time, Quentin Tarantino, is a massive fan of horror movies and has been heavily influenced by many genre classics in his filmmaking career. He's delved into the genre professionally as a director, producer, and actor. Tarantino has appeared in the likes of From Dusk Till Dawn, executive produced the likes of Hostel, and directed the brilliant Death Proof. Quentin Tarantino has made some of the best movies ever, and it is clear he knows what makes a movie truly scary.

Béla Lugosi: The Man Behind The Cape is an expansive biography that explores the legacy of the iconic Hollywood actor, featuring interviews with his wife and Hungarian relatives. The book includes over 700 photographs, including rare family photos and artifacts. It traces Lugosi's journey from humble beginnings in Hungary to his political activism and disappointment in later life. Lugosi's legacy goes beyond his role as Dracula, as he made significant contributions to the American Screen Actors Guild and appeared in various Ed Wood projects, with his collaboration with Wood being explored in Tim Burton's acclaimed film, Ed Wood.

Explore the legacy of a Hollywood icon with Béla Lugosi: The Man Behind The Cape. Penned by The Hollywood Reporter alum and Lugosi expert Robert Cremer, the expansive biography features interviews conducted with Lillian Lugosi Donlevy, the Dracula actor's wife of 20 years, and some of his closest Hungarian relatives and friends.