BELA LUGOSI'S WHITE ZOMBIE TAILCOAT AND VEST

One of the more memorable villains from early sound horror films was Bela Lugosi's Murder Legendre in WHITE ZOMBIE (1932). The role fit Lugosi perfectly and he made the most of bringing out the mephistopholean wickedness that the character demanded.

His costume was a cross between undertaker and plantation master with his wide-brimmed had and long, dark clothing. Amazingly, years later, two of these pieces were found in a studio vault after 80 years and put up for auction. When the gavel dropped, the ensemble sold for an astonishing $100,000!

NOTE: There is one error in the lot details shown below: Lugosi made Universal's MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE before he was cast in WHITE ZOMBIE.

Lot 0783 Details:

783. Original Bela Lugosi tailcoat and vest from White Zombie.(UA, 1932) Bela Lugosi's followup to 1931's Universal Studio blockbuster, Dracula, was the ultra-low budget White Zombie, produced and directed by the Halperin brothers, setting the stage for a career that frequently bounced back and forth between A studio pictures and B movies. Lugosi played the infamous Murder Legendre, a Haitian plantation owner who turns his former enemies into zombies, whom he employs as slaves in his sugar mill. The 1932 film cemented Lugosi's reputation as a strangely seductive leading man. This iconic costume, consisting of dark blue three-button jacket with tails and five-button vest, each with internal United Costumers, Inc. tags handwritten "Lugosi" and "Bela Lugosi".The jacket was originally shot with a five-button design with the top button nearly reaching the collar. Studio tailors closed the holes (evident upon close examination) and the collar was modified for later use. The costume was worn by Lugosi in a key sequence, and was discovered buried in a studio vault where it had remained for the nearly 80 years since White Zombie finished shooting. Comes with a Warner Bros. certificate of authenticity.

THE RETURN OF MURDER LEGENDRE!

This fantastic new figure from Starry Ace/X-Plus is due for release in June of this year. The White Zombie Murder Legendre figure features a spot-on likeness of Bela Lugosi playing the evil zombie-maker of the title film and is authorized by the Estate of Bela Lugosi.

It comes in a standard and deluxe version, each it seems, sells for the same price.

White Zombie 1932 Bela Lugosi Deluxe 1/6 Scale Figure Murder Legendre

Suggested retail price: $399.99

White Zombie is a 1932 American pre-Code horror film independently produced by Edward Halperin and directed by Victor Halperin. The screenplay by Garnett Weston, based on The Magic Island by William Seabrook, is about a young woman's transformation into a zombie at the hands of an evil voodoo master. Bela Lugosi stars as the zombie master "Murder" Legendre, with Madge Bellamy appearing as his victim. Other cast members include Joseph Cawthorn, Robert W. Frazer, John Harron, Brandon Hurst, and George Burr MacAnnan.

Step into the eerie world of classic horror with the breathtaking Murder Legendre Star Ace Quarter Scale Statue. Crafted from high-quality polyresin and adorned with real fabric clothing, this meticulously detailed representation of the infamous voodoo master from the film “White Zombie” captures the essence of cinematic terror.

Standing an impressive 50cm tall (including the base), Legendre exudes an air of malevolence as he menaces a clay statue with a gleaming dagger, a chilling reminder of his dark powers. Every intricate detail, from his piercing gaze to the lifelike textures of his attire, brings this legendary character to life, making it a must-have for collectors and horror enthusiasts alike.

The Deluxe Version of this stunning piece features a display base that not only showcases the classic film logo and a striking large vulture but also lights up, casting an eerie glow that enhances the ominous atmosphere. This illuminating feature adds an extra layer of drama to your display, making it a true centerpiece in any collection.

Don’t miss your chance to own this spectacular piece of horror memorabilia. Elevate your collection and let the sinister charm of Murder Legendre watch over your realm. Grab yours today and embrace the dark allure of voodoo magic!

PRODUCT DETAILS

• Series: 1/4 Scale Polyresin Statue
• Product Name: Murder Legendre (Deluxe Version)
• Product Weight: Approx. 6.5kg
• Product Size: Height – Statue Approx. 50cm tall (Total Height Approx. 52cm including basement)

FEATURES

• 1/6 scale (approximately 30 cm tall) with over 30 points of articulation.
• Fully realized authentic likeness of Bela Lugosi as “Murder Legendre” in the movie “White Zombie” (1932). The portrait is specially hand painted and features detailed skin texture and accurate facial expression.

Head

• One (1) portrait with serious expression

Body

• One (1) Body with over 30 points of articulation

Hands

• One (1) pair of open hands
• One (1) pair of hands for hypnosis gesture
• One (1) Left hand for holding candle carving
• One (1) right hand for holding knife
• One (1) right relaxed hand

Costume

• One (1) White shirt
• One (1) Tie
• One (1) Tuxedo
• One (1) Pair of trousers
• One (1) Cloak
• One (1) pair of socks
• One (1) Silk scarf
• One (1) Pair of boots

Accessories

• One (1) Hat
• One (1) wax zombie doll
• One (1) knife
• One (1) Crow (Small)

Additional Accessories for Deluxe version:

• One (1) Crow with Flying pose
• One (1) Diorama with R.I.P. Gravestones and Lamp with Light up function (CR927 Battery x 1, not included)

NEW LUGOSI 'WHITE ZOMBIE' STATUE

Another offering from X-Plus is this stunning statue of Bela Lugosi from the film, WHITE ZOMBIE (1932). Fans of Lugosi will surely want this in their collection -- that is, if you have a spare 400 bucks.

White Zombie 1932 Bela Lugosi Deluxe 1/6 Scale Figure Murder Legendre

Features:

• 1/6 scale (approximately 12" tall) with over 30 points of articulation.
• Fully realized authentic likeness of Bela Lugosi as “Murder Legendre” in the movie “White Zombie” (1932). The portrait is specially hand painted and features detailed skin texture and accurate facial expression.
• Head: One (1) portrait with serious expression
• Body: One (1) Body with over 30 points of articulation
• Hands: One (1) pair of open hands, One (1) pair of hands for hypnosis gesture, One (1) Left hand for holding candle carving, One (1) right hand for holding knife, One (1) right relaxed hand
• Costume: One (1) White shirt, One (1) Tie, One (1) Tuxedo, One (1) Pair of trousers, One (1) Cloak, One (1) pair of socks, One (1) Silk scarf, One (1) Pair of boots
• Accessories: One (1) Hat, One (1) wax zombie doll, One (1) knife, One (1) Crow (Small)

Additional Accessories for Deluxe version:

• One (1) Crow with Flying pose
• One (1) Diorama with R.I.P. Gravestones and Lamp with Light up function (CR927 Battery x 1, not included)

SPOTLIGHT ON: 'REVOLT OF THE ZOMBIES'

Announced as a sequel to WHITE ZOMBIE, REVOLT OF THE ZOMBIES is generally considered by critics to be a disappointment. An interesting premise is lost without an actor, such as Bela Lugosi, to pull of the role of the villain. Still, Bela's eyes were used from WHITE ZOMBIE whenever there was a "hypnotic" closeup.

Revolt of the Zombies (Academy, 1936). Lobby Cards (8) (11" X 14").
This film was designed as a follow-up to the Halperin Brothers' phenomenally successful White Zombie. Set in Cambodia following World War I, the story features an evil Count who has come into possession of a way to transform dead men into walking zombies. A group of people come to Angkor Wat in hopes of stopping the Count, who has created a race of undead slave laborers. Unfortunately, one of the group, played by Dean Jagger, has secret plans to create his own group of zombies. Offered here are the extremely rare lobby cards for the film's first release, with eye-catching border art. All the cards have pinholes, stains, and small tears in the borders. Several also have pinholes in the interior. One card has paper loss in the bottom border and there is a small hole at the top of another. Two cards have corner bends and there is paper tape on the back of six of the cards. There is one duplicate card in the lot. We are offering the very rare one sheet in this auction as well. We believe this film received a very limited release and thus the posters and lobby cards are almost unheard of in the hobby for this first release. Fine+.  

LIGHT A CANDLE FOR CAROLE LOMBARD

By the end of the 1930's decade she was the highest paid woman in Hollywood. She had it all: Incomparable good looks, a wonderful sense of humor, married to international star Clark Gable, and idol to millions of women who saw her as free-spirited female. But, her storybook career came literally crashing down on her on the night of January 16, 1942.

Born Jane Alice Peters in Fort Wayne, Indiana on October 6, 1908, Lombard and her two brothers moved to Los Angeles with their mother when their parents' marriage fell apart. She had an aptitude for athletics and was noticed playing baseball by director Allan Dwan, who was scouting for a "cute looking little tomboy" for his next picture.

Lombard was cast in many different roles and as she grew older, she found herself playing "leading lady" parts. When she married William "The Thin Man" Powell, in 1931, her career took off. She divorced Powell two years later. Filmmakers discovered that Lombard had a knack for humor and soon she became highly regarded for her "screwball comedies".

Lombard starred in only one film that could be described as a "horror/thriller". Released in New York by Paramount on April 21, 1933, the pre-code SUPERNATURAL was an early tale of spirit possession, Intended as a sort of follow-up to WHITE ZOMBIE, SUPERNATURAL was produced by Victor and Edward Halperin and with the same writer and film crew as the 1931 surprise hit film starring Bela Lugosi. Lombard reportedly disliked the role she had signed on for and argued on the set with the Halperins.

The reviews were mixed, and even with Lombard headlining the film, SUPERNATURAL did not meet Paramount's expectations at the box office, ending the potential continuation of the zombie/life after death cycle of movies produced by the Halperin brothers. Possessed (no pun intended) of a weak story, SUPERNATURAL is an otherwise moody, atmospheric, even noir-ish film and should be included in all lists of early 30's horror titles. In his excellent book, Horror Noir: Where Cinema's Dark Sisters Meet (McFarland & Co., 2011), author Paul Meehan opines, "Director Victor Halperin sustains the unearthly mood throughout, conjuring the atavistic terrors of the past against a realistic, modern-day backdrop."

Supernatural reviewed in PHOTOPLAY, July 1933.

In 1941,when the United States declared war on Japan, Lombard was the first movie star to enlist her stature as a famous star to help raise money for war bonds. She traveled to her home state of Indiana with her mother to attend a war bond rally. The rally was a huge success and raised $2 million during the single event.

In the early morning of January 16, 1942, Lombard, her mother, her then husband Clark Gable's press agent Otto Winkler, and a group of servicemen boarded a plane headed back to Los Angeles. They were originally planing to return by train, but instead elected to take a faster route. One account claims that Lombard wanted to get back to Gable as quick as possible to make up for their spat over his carrying on with another screen siren, Lana Turner.

After refueling in Las Vegas, the plane took off at 7:00 PM,  Approximately, twelve minutes later, it crashed at 8,200 feet into a cliff face of Potosi Mountain, a little more than 30 miles south of Las Vegas. All 22 aboard were killed instantly. A team of rescue workers recovered the victims, including Lombard's body, which was photographed wrapped in a blanket. She was 33 years old.

Rescuers remove Carole Lombard's blanket-wrapped body from the crash site.

Her remains were transported to California, where she was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. The name on her headstone reads: "Carole Lombard Gable",

Along with her fame as a Hollywood star, Carole Lombard can be considered a true American patriot. She sacrificed herself for her country, not in battle but by selflessly volunteering her time and using her influence as a celebrity to raise money to help fight and defeat the enemy. She was nominated for an Academy Award, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, known to be a "natural prankster", was liked by everyone, and was said to have a figure "made to be swathed in silver lame." She will deservedly be forever remembered as one of Hollywood's greatest screen actresses.

After Lombard's death, Clark Gable was married twice more. When he died in 1960, he chose to be buried next to his beloved platinum blonde, Carole.

Carole Lombard photographed in 1934.

A promotional shot from Supernatural.

Supernatural fashion statement, NEW MOVIE, June 1933

 

Lombard's gown from Supernatural was haute couture in the day.
A pre-KING KONG Fay Wray is pictured on the left.
From PHOTOPLAY, June 1933.

A portrait by George Hurrell from PHOTOPLAY, June 1933