Sure, today is also the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, and Charles Darwin, both great men, but what of that undead vampire, also known by his last name? On this date, 75 years ago, the 1931 Universal classic starring Bela Lugosi, Dwight Frye, Edward Van Sloan, Helen Chandler, and David Manners, pre miered in New York City, just in time for Valentine's Day. It was a huge hit, launching the horror movie boom of the 1930s and 1940s, and paving the way for all of the classic Universal Monster movies to follow. When people think of Dracula, it is Lugosi that comes to mind, whether they've seen the movie or not. His was an iconic performance which has stood the test of time, even if Tod Browning's awkward direction of the film has not. All of the horror movie iconography that exists now has it's basis in this movie. Celebrate by watching this classic tonight.
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