Dracula (1931 movie) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dracula |
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1931 one sheet movie poster (Style F)
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| Directed by | Tod Browning Karl Freund (uncredited) |
| Produced by | Tod Browning Carl Laemmle, Jr. |
| Screenplay by | Garrett Fort |
| Starring | Bela Lugosi Helen Chandler David Manners Dwight Frye Edward Van Sloan |
| Cinematography | Karl Freund |
| Editing by | Milton Carruth Maurice Pivar |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
| Release date(s) | February 12, 1931 (New York) |
| Running time | 85 minutes (1936 Reissue: 75 minutes) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English Hungarian |
| Budget | $355,000 |
Dracula is a famous horror movie from 1931. It was made by Universal Pictures and directed by Tod Browning. The movie stars Bela Lugosi as the scary Count Dracula, a powerful vampire. This film helped define what horror movies would be like for many years!
The movie is based on a 1924 stage play called Dracula. This play was written by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston. The play itself was inspired by the classic novel Dracula by Bram Stoker.
In 2000, Dracula was chosen for the United States National Film Registry. The Library of Congress selects movies for this registry because they are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." This means the movie is very important to American culture and film history.
Contents
What is Dracula About?
The story of Dracula begins in a spooky old castle in Transylvania. A real estate agent named Renfield travels there to meet Count Dracula. Dracula is a mysterious nobleman who plans to move to London, England. Renfield soon falls under Dracula's strange power.
Dracula Arrives in London
Dracula travels to London on a ship, bringing Renfield with him. Once in London, Dracula visits a theater and meets a young woman named Mina Seward. He also meets her friend, Lucy Weston. Dracula uses his powers to put them into a trance. He bites Lucy, and she soon becomes very weak.
Van Helsing Investigates
Lucy's illness puzzles the doctors. Professor Van Helsing, a wise scientist, is called to help. He quickly realizes that a vampire is responsible for Lucy's condition. Van Helsing suspects Count Dracula.
The Fight Against Dracula
Van Helsing tries to protect Mina from Dracula's influence. He knows that Dracula wants to turn Mina into a vampire too. The professor and Mina's boyfriend, John Harker, work together to stop the evil count. They must find Dracula's hiding place and destroy him before he can harm anyone else.
Who Made the Movie?
The film was directed by Tod Browning. He was known for making mysterious and sometimes dark movies. The main actor, Bela Lugosi, became very famous for playing Count Dracula. His deep voice and intense stare made the character unforgettable.
The Look and Feel
The movie uses shadows and light to create a very spooky atmosphere. The director of photography, Karl Freund, did a great job making the film look creepy. The old castles and foggy London streets add to the scary mood.
Why is Dracula Important?
Dracula was one of the first major sound horror films. It helped make Universal Pictures famous for its monster movies. The film's success led to many other classic monster films, like Frankenstein and The Mummy.
Bela Lugosi's Legacy
Bela Lugosi's portrayal of Dracula became the most iconic version of the character. Many people still imagine Dracula looking and sounding like Lugosi. His performance set the standard for how vampires are shown in movies and TV shows.
A Classic Horror Film
Even today, Dracula is considered a classic. It shows how fear can be created with atmosphere and suggestion, not just jump scares. The movie continues to influence filmmakers and entertain audiences around the world.
