Wedneydays Film Review - Dracula 1931

Dracula 1931

Now, this is of course a horror classic, and therefore I'm a little hesitant at writing a review of this. A negativ opinion might lead to drama. But, it 's not as if I'd have many of those. The principle of this is that I bring you films, which I believe you should bother watching  - either for a cinematic experience or a good laugh at old technology. And in addition I'd just like too apologise for posting this on a sunday.

Main Cast:

Count Dracula: Bela Lugosi

Mina Harker: Helen Chandler

Van Helsing: Edward Van Sloan

John Harker: David Manners

Renfield: Dwight Frye

Lucy: Frances Dade

DR. Seward: Herbert Brunston

The film was directed by Tom Browning and based upon Bram Stokers novel of the same name. 
No, summary seems needed, as I'm quite sure we've all encountered Dracula in some form or another. However, a man named Renfield is making his way through the Carpaithian mountains of 
Transylvannia in a carriege. He and Count Dracula are closing a deal. 
Dracula has leased Cairfax Abbey in England. When Renfield is about to retire for the night, 
he is attacked by Dracula, who turns him in to his slave and gives him a crawing for insects. 
The two now make their way to England. When the ship arrives, it is discovered that 
every single man on the ship is dead, exept a raving Renfield, 
who is found among the cargo by the police. He is now placed in Dr. Sewards sanatorium for mentally ill people. A night Dr. Seward is in the teater with his daugther Mina, his ward Lucy and John Harker. 
There they meet a charming foreign gentlemann, who introduces himself as Count Dracula. 
This man takes an interest in first Lucy, then later in Mina. Meanwhile, bodies a being found all over the city with two holes in their necks. When Lucy is found dead as well, and Mina begins to act strange, Dr. Seward seek the help of Van Helsing, who seems to know exactly what they're dealing with - and how to stop it. The question remains: Who is the vampire? Is it the insane Renfield as the suspect? And more importantly: How do they trap him in time to safe poor Mina?

Well done! Allthough the lighting is disturbing in some parts of the film, the acting is wonderful. Do I have to comment upon Bela Lugosi? Everyone knows he IS Dracula and no one can do it quite like him. Helen Chandler is certainly worth noticing. Her performance differs greatly from the typical lead female roles of the period, as she is not only a pretty face with a loud scream. She gives the character so much more. Mina becomes quite 3d, especially when she is under the spell of  Dracula. The two other major acting performances must be Dwight Frye and Edward Van Sloan. 

Frye fills out the character and gives it such depth, that you dont know whether to laugh at him or cry with him. For Renfield is truly a man torn between his loyalty and obedient affection for his dark master, and his own humanity and care for his fellow man. Half undead, half man.  

Van Sloan dominates the conversations of huge parts of the film, and  his perfomance is brilliant - althought at times a little 2d. All in all, if you haven't seem this - shame on you! Have a nice day. :)