The History of the Hollywood Dracula

In the year 1922 the first attempt to create silver screen version of Dracula happened in Hollywood. This was time of silent movies. It was released as Nosferatu. This first film was very close to the story and it became an instant smash hit all over the cinema circuits. In 1922, Hollywood took a stab at the past and brought Dracula to the silver screen as a best-selling thriller by Bram Stoker. This silent movie, renamed Nosferatu, followed the book's lead, portraying the reign of terror of an ancient ruler turned vampire. However, the filmmakers took many liberties in modifying the book for the screen. As a result, the characterization, plot, and mood of Nosferatu are significantly different from the original Dracula.

The year 1928 saw the first film based upon Dracula. This was produced by Charles R. Rogers, and directed by Albert Rogel and Marion Jackson as writer. This was spectacular film and it certainly created Hollywood history. In 1930, Bela Lugosi at that time was working as stage actor. He was given an excellent opportunity to perform as Dracula. His letters on July 12, 1930 contains his excitement and some earlier experiences that he encountered during working at this project.

The year 1931 saw the first publication of "Dracula" Novel. It was a huge hit in readers and received instant fame & recognition. At that time, this was first Hollywood success by Bram Stoker and he did receive the record royalties.

In the same year Dracula was made in Spanish. This movie was also a big smash hit. In this film, they used Lolita Tovar and Barry Norton in main leads. The audiences paved way the new film franchise. The same year saw making and release of Lady Dracula, with Miss Lilyan Tashman in leading role. This magical ride was not meant to end. By the year 1936 it even managed to attract Bela Lugosi who was already famous for various monster roles. Surprisingly, as an actor Bela was not happy playing such roles. His accent and his incoherent dialect made him most appropriate for Dracula. He used to say that Frankenstein ruined him.

Next few years were very productive for Dracula movies. Bela was given standing ovations. There was unprecedented welcome showered upon him. His filmed many films with similar stories got moderate success. By the year Choice Typed letter signed "Bela", one page, 7"x 11", July 22, 1943, North Hollywood, California, on his personal letterhead. To Mr. Milton Yakus in Boston, Lugosi writes: "I have just returned from my four months tour with 'Dracula'. I got in touch with William Morris Agency here in Hollywood and asked them to inquire ... about your stories.

As yet, I have not heard from them; but as soon as I get their reply I will let you know... Accompanied by a creepy full. 1950 the vampires became norm not only in US but all over the world. The British audience also appreciated it. The 1950 film "Vampire over London" saw Bela Lugosi in U.K. Lugosi became the known as Dracula. Till his death in 1956 he remained the #1 choice for Hollywood Dracula. In the year 1957 Boris Karloff started his version of Dracula, this was a moderate hit. In 1966, the Dracula's Daughter was released.

The year 1970 saw another version of DRACULA. There were many attempts to revive Dracula's success with different names & styles. In 1977, Edward Herrmann successfully revived The Dracula. The 1978 version of Dracula was with gray hair and widow's peak. In 1979 the Dracula was performed with "Love at First Bite" that still remains the most successful low budget Dracula movie till date. The close follower is a "Cinderella Dracula Story".

In December 2000, Dracula 2000 received a moderate response at Box Office. The year 2003 saw the release of Dracula DVDs with interviews and added clips. The latest Dracula news is very exciting as the negotiations are underway to take the Avatar fame actor Sam Worthington as the star of Dracula year Zero.