Toothless
How can you publish an article on “Dracula, The Musical” without mentioning the man from whom all other Draculas emanate? I’m speaking, of course, of Bela Lugosi (“Old Tale, New Blood,” by Jan Breslauer, Oct. 21).
His Broadway version in 1927 lasted 33 weeks and 261 performances before going on tour to Los Angeles and other cities.
When Universal hired Lugosi in 1931 for a film version, the majority of the plot and dialogue was simply lifted from the play, and the production included much of the cast. If you doubt Lugosi’s influence, simply ask anyone to imitate Dracula. Without fail, they speak with a Hungarian accent.
DAVID WENTINK
Los Angeles
The biggest entertainment stories
Get our big stories about Hollywood, film, television, music, arts, culture and more right in your inbox as soon as they publish.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
