The immortal count : the life and films of Bela Lugosi / Arthur Lennig.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lennig, Arthur.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Lugosi, Bela, 1882-1956.

Lugosi, Bela.

Actors--Hungary--Biography.

Actors.

Hungary.

Motion picture actors and actresses--United States--Biography.

Motion picture actors and actresses.

United States.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

xii, 548 pages, 48 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, portraits ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Lexington : University Press of Kentucky, [2003]

Summary:

In the 1931 film Dracula, Bela Lugosi set the standard for horror film villainy. Though many actors have donned the cape since that first production, Hungarianborn Lugosi epitomized the character, and remnants of his portrayal still continue to surface in popular culture -- from highly prized memorabilia in auctions to a character on Sesame Street. The Count eventually made him an icon, a status Lugosi would often regret during his lifetime. Lugosi confessed to his last wife that his role as Count Dracula had made him a success financially but ruined him artistically. After a decade of trying vainly to broaden his range and obtain parts that would challenge his acting abilities, Lugosi realized that he had been permanently typecast as a horror film villain. For the rest of his career, he supported himself with roles that were all in some way a variation on the first -- madmen bent on sacrificing others for their own gain. Near the end, even these roles became difficult to find, and ultimately Lugosi was reduced to a sad parody of his former self, making humiliating public appearances and accepting obscure parts far beneath his acting abilities. His partnership with director Ed Wood further deteriorated his reputation. The last years of his life were marked by financial crises, personal turmoil, and drug addiction. As a child, Arthur Lennig was a devoted fan of Lugosi and even had the opportunity to meet his idol on three occasions. The author has spent decades gathering biographical information for this volume, drawing on archival materials obtained from Hungary and Romania as well as interviews, interoffice studio memos, shooting scripts, and his own recollections. Offering new insights into the films and personality of an actor who could not overcome Hollywood typecasting, The Immortal Count is the definitive account of Lugosi's tragic life and times.

Contents:

Bela

The early years

Broadway to Hollywood

The fateful decision

Dracula, the film

Fame

The peak

The comeback

The war years

The decline

The final years.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 493-525) and index.

Filmography: pages 467-490.

ISBN:

0813122732

OCLC:

51854742