Season 2: Episode 60 - BOOK TO SCREEN: Dracula (1931)

Dracula (1931)

 

Garrett Ford (Frankenstein, Mark of Zorro) would adapt the classic Bram Stoker novel for the screen which was directed by Tod Browning.  The film is actually more based on the 1924 stage play and very loosely based on the novel.

 

Although Nosferatu (1922), German expressionist film, was released and ordered to be destroyed by Bram Stoker’s widow due to copyright infringement, the team of Dracula would study the film to help bring their film to life for Universal.  The film feels like a silent film through style and direction due to Browning having most of his experience in silent films.

 

The film would star Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners and Dwight Frye.  In 1998, Phillip Glass would compose a score for this Dracula.  Interestingly enough, Tod Browning would film during the day and at night, George Melford would film the Spanish version of the same film which both versions can be found on the Blu-Ray release with interesting results.

 

Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (5.27); Forming the Plot (14.15); Film Trailer (53.53);  Lights, Camera, Action (56.54); Epilogue (1:30.42); End Credits (1:38.58); Closing Credits (1:39.49)

 

Opening Credits – Dracula by Gorillaz from the album Clint Eastwood

 

Closing Credits – Dracula Teeth by The Last Shadow Puppets from the album Everything You’ve Come To Expect.

 

All songs available from Amazon.

 

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