The Countless Qualities of Nosferatu

I kicked off my 2025 movie-watching season with a trip to the local theater to see director Robert Eggers' remake of the 1922 film, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror. I've liked all of Egger's work to date, especially The Lighthouse, so I was looking forward to his new film, Nosferatu. I enjoyed this one. It’s a bit long, clocking in at 2 hours and 15 minutes, but never seemed to drag. It was a moody, dark, and gory take on the 1922 original that added some new wrinkles and additions, primarily Ellen Hutter’s psychic connection with Count Orlok. It is also dark lighting-wise—while beautifully shot, much of this film takes place in shadows and darkness. This would not be one to see at a drive-in. It needs to be seen on the best screen possible. The look of Count Orlok, played by Bill Skarsgard, seems to be the biggest conversational touchstone for this film. Certainly, it’s a unique take on the creature—but I’m okay with that, as it makes it Egger’s own interpretation. This count is decrepit and disgusting, yet somehow the mustache that is garnering so much controversy makes him more humanistic at the same time. 

 

I followed this up with a rewatch of the 1979 Werner Herzog film Nosferatu the Vampyre. Talk about contrast—watching those two back-to-back is fascinating. Where Egger’s version is shrouded in darkness, much of Herzog’s takes place in bright light. You can see details clearly in most of this film, including the Count himself, played by Klaus Kinski. He skulks around brightly-lit for much of this one. It’s beautifully shot, though, and full of a moody melancholy throughout. The makeup follows the 1922 design fairly faithfully, and Kinski really leans into the rat-like qualities of Count Dracula, as he’s called here. In fact, they use all of the names from Dracula—Harker, Lucy, Mina, Dracula, Renfield, and Van Helsing. The 2024 film, by comparison, sticks with the names from Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror—Hutter, Ellen, Harding, Knock, and Count Orlok. Which really underscores the intertwined nature of the two films. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror was an unauthorized adaptation of Dracula, made without permission. Separating the two is near impossible; they’re like dark twins, shadow versions of one another, and the remakes further punctuate this. Egger’s Count Orlok is named after the F.W. Murnau character, yet looks-wise, he resembles more closely the character from the Bram Stoker source material. In comparison, Herzog’s Count resembles the character from Nosferatu, yet is named Dracula. 

 

 

Each of these films is excellent, and each has its own merits. If I were to rank them, I’d put them in order of release. The 1922 F.W. Murnau film is, for my money, the greatest vampire film of all-time, and the best silent film I’ve seen. Herzog’s film is a fantastic remake and tacks on an unexpected ending that is magnificent. Egger’s film is excellent in its own right, really painting in shadows to keep the Count cloaked in darkness. All three are worth watching, and I recommend viewing the last two back-to-back—it’s an eye-opening exercise.

1929 enters the Public Domain

As of January 1st, a new batch of films entered the public domain—this time films from 1929. Among the notable films from that year are the Alfred Hitchcock film Blackmail, the first Marx Brothers film, The Cocoanuts, and the number 1 grossing film of that year, The Broadway Melody. Even though there aren’t many films from this year’s offerings that I will screen on my show, it’s still exciting for me as a horror host as it inches us that much closer to the big two becoming public domain. And by those big two, I mean the two films that kicked off a new era of monster movies for Universal Studios and had a huge impact on me as a kid… Dracula and Frankenstein. Due to their 1931 creation, both Dracula and Frankenstein will become public domain in 2027.

That will be a day to celebrate, but it’s absolutely incredible to me to consider where we’d be if it hadn’t been for one particular piece of legislation and one particularly diabolical congressman—Sonny Bono. That’s right, Sonny Bono, of Sonny and Cher fame. Sonny became a congressman in California, and Disney quickly got him in their pocket. He proposed a piece of legislation largely to protect the copyright of Mickey Mouse. It became known as the Copyright Term Extension Act, also known as the Sonny Bono Act. It essentially put a moratorium on films entering the public domain for 20 years. 20 YEARS!

That means that instead of films from 1929 entering the public domain this year, we would have had films from 1949 entering. That blows my mind. The Third Man, Rope, It’s a Wonderful Life, Casablanca, Citizen Kane, Miracle on 34^th Street, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, House of Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Cat People, The Maltese Falcon, King Kong, and SO MANY others would be public domain now.

Sonny Bono will forever be a villain in my book, right up there with Fredric Wertham (the psychiatrist that attacked and smeared EC comics and their fellow comic book companies in the 1950s). His name should forever go down in infamy.

Shock! Halloween Countdown - Day 1

 Dr. Gangrene kicks off the annual Halloween countdown today - this year we're taking a look at 31 films from the Universal Shock! package of films that aired in the 1950s. First up is a classic of the genre - Dracula. Tune in all month on Youtube to see a new video every day looking at a different film from the Shock! package of films from 1957.

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The Fantastic Films of Vincent Price #18 - Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein/ Up in Central Park

In this episode Dr. Gangrene takes a look at two Price films, both from 1948 - Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein and Up in Central Park. In Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein Price "appears" very briefly, in the closing sequence of this classic monster rally film. In Up in Central Park Price plays the part of famed crime lord Boss Tweed, in this big screen adaptation of the Broadway play of the same name.


In this series Dr. Gangrene, Physician of Fright and Award-winning Nashville horror host (and writer) explores the films of the merchant of menace, Vincent Price, in chronological order from first to last, approaching them from a scholarly perspective, offering commentary, review and criticism.

New NBC Dracula TV series

      Keep your throats covered and your eyes peeled for a new DRACULA tv series debuting this fall on NBC. Horror series on Televisiona re on a roll right now, with Bates Motel (A&E), American Horror Story(FX) and Hannibal (NBC) all turning out quality material on a weekly basis. This new series based on the Bram Stoker source material looks promising. It is from the Production team of Downton Abby, a super successful PBS period piece. With the attention to detail and quality on display in Downton, things look promising for our favorite blood sucker. The cast is interesting and offers a few new twists on the well known story.

Top 10 Vampire Film Countdown - #1

This is it, the top spot in out vampiric countdown. Before I announce the #1 film, let's recap the previous 9 entries:

#10 - Salem's Lot
 #9 - The LostBoys
 #8 - Near Dark
 #7 - Fright Night
 #6 - Let the Right One In
 #5 - Martin
 #4 - Dracula Prince of Darkness
 #3 - Horror of Dracula
 #2 - Dracula (1931)

And now for the #1 spot - a film that is one of the earliest renditions of the Bram Stoker Dracula novel, albeit an unauthorized adaptation - NOSFERATU.

Nosferatu was made in Germany in 1921, ten years before Universal's Dracula. It was directed by F.W. Murnau and stars Max Schreck as Count Orlock. It is a silent film, yet is arguably the most terrifying vampire ever put to film. This vampire is evil, pure and simple. Not the sophisticated, suave vampire most people think of when they hear the name Dracula, but instead a true MONSTER. He is a tall, thin, gangly vampire, almost sickly looking. He is a disease carrier, a pestilence - he controls rats and where he goes he brings disease and famine. In fact he is very rat-like himself, with large twin fangs for front teeth and long sharp claw-like nails. He has a bald-head and piercing eyes, like something from a nightmare. This is a vampire to fear. He won't charm the blood from your veins, he'll rip it open and leave your rotting corpse behind.

 This is a German expressionist film, and makes great use of light and shadows. Some of the most effective scenes in the film are those of the shadow of the Count creeping up on his victim, again, like a nightmare slowly approaching.



As this was an unauthorized production of the film Bram Stoker's widow eventually caught wind of it and was none too happy. She brought litigation and the film was pulled from syndication and all prints ordered destroyed. Some survived, thankfully. This most likely explains the change in name from Dracula to Orlock (and from Renfield to Knock). If you've never seen Nosferatu you should definitely do so now. I have embeded theentire film below - enjoy, and Happy Halloween!!

Top 10 Vampire Films Countdown - #2

The #2 film on my Top 10 Vampire Film Countdown is the Universal film classic, Dracula!

Made in 1931 by Universal Studios and directed by Tod Browning, this is the one that people think of when you say the word Dracula. Based on the Bram Stoker novel it stars Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula and Edward Van Sloan as Professor Van Helsing. Lugosi's performance is top notch - he IS Count Dracula. His rendition of Dracula is the one all others are measured against. Dwight Frye is also terrific as Renfield, and once again it is his performance that stands the test of time.

Lon Chaney Sr. was originally slated to play the title role, but he was unable to do the part due to illness (cancer). Lugosi was a natural as he had already performed the part successfully on stage. Dracula was a huge success and launched the Universal era of horror films.

Don't believe the hype that the Spanish-language version, shot on the same sets at night, is superior. It has more fluid camera movements and is a little less stiff, but their lead actor is quite dorky looking and lacks the charisma and mesmerizing charm of Lugosi. The American version is a true classic, and Lugosi's Dracula became a movie icon that influenced all Draculas to come, and thus it is #2 on my countdown.

Top 10 Vampire Films - #3

#4 on my top ten Vampire films countdown is another entry from Hammer films - their first foray into vampire territory - HORROR OF DRACULA!

Released in 1958 this one stars Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Michael Gough. It was written by Jimmy Sangster and directed by the great Terrence Fisher. It was originally called simply DRACULA, but renamed Horror of Dracula to avoid confusion. It is based on the Stoker Dracula novel, albeit very loosely.  In THIS version Harker comes to castle Dracula to destroy the count (Lee). He fails, and Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) finds the castle empty and Harker lying in a cyypt, no longer a man but now a vampire. He stakes him through the heart and leaves to inform Harker's fiance, Lucy, of thetragic news. But it turns out Lucy has contracted a strange illness... and even stranger marks on her neck...



This film is a joy to watch. Sumptuous colors and crisp direction with the definitive British horror cast of Cushing and Lee - doesn't get much better than that. The two play off one another perfectly, and Cushing in particular is fantastic as Van Helsing. The music score by James Bernard is terrific as well, with that memorable theme that instantly says Hammer Horror.



This is one I revisit regularly, and in fact am overdue to watch again. Definitely one of the best, check out Horror of Dracula, it's a must see for vampire fans.

Top Ten Vampire Films #4

We're in the home stretch on the top vampire film countdown, and it's Hammer time as we welcome the #4 movie on our countdown, DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS!

This is the third film in the Hammer Dracula series, the second which featured Christopher Lee as Count Dracula. It was made in 1966 and was written by Jimmy Sangster and directed by Terrence Fisher. It stars Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley, and Andrew Kier. This film is unique in that Dracula doesn't speak a word during this film - Despite this he still oozes evil in every scene.



When the film begins Dracula is dead, destroyed at the end of the first Hammer Dracula film Horror of Dracula. He is revived by a devoted minion of the dark prince, a man known simply as Klove. The scene where Dracula is resurrected is one of the best in any Hammer movies. Klove captures and knocks unconscious a man staying as a guest in Dracula's castle. He suspends him upside down over a crypt containing Dracula's ashes, then slits the man's throat, spilling his blood over the ashes and bringing Dracula back to un-life!
 

The one thing that would elevate this film higher on my list would be the addition of Peter Cushing as Van Helsing. However, Andrew Keir plays Father Sandor, an ass-kicking monk traveling through the area. I really love his character, and he makes a nice stand-in for Van Helsing.



When it comes to vampire films I could honestly have made this list entirely Hammer-centric. The entire Hammer series is excellent, but there are two that I feel stand out above the pack, and DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS is certainly one of those!

DRACULA Photoplay book

Ran across this really cool edition of Dracula and thought I'd share it here - this is a photoplay edition, illustrated throughout with scenes from the film. Very cool! Love the cover illustration!

Universal Monsters Ebook!

Tonight I have a special treat for you ghouls out there, a free 32 page ebook. This was written by Scott Essman at produced by the fine folks at Universal and it's a great overview of the history of the monsters and the studio that created them. Terrorific stuff here -  enjoy!!
Click to enlarge, right click to save...

Universal Classic Monsters Essential Collection Blu Ray review

Got a copy of the new Blu Ray box Set, The Universal Monsters Essential Collection tonight, and shot a quick video reviewing the set, packaging and content. I watched the Wolf Man and it looked beautiful, especially on some of the little fine detail. Great looking set that you guys are going to love - can't wait to really dig into these!!

Universal Studios Art Contest

 All you artists out there who are classic monster fans, here's your chance to prove your stuff and win great Universal prizes in the process.

Read the rules carefully before entering, especially paying attention to medium, size, and subject matter. Good luck!!!

ILLUSTRATE YOUR OWN VERSION OF A UNIVERSAL STUDIOS CLASSIC MONSTER

Contest Rules

1. One artistic entry per person is allowed.

2. Participants: All amateur artists welcome. Open to U.S., Mexican, Canadian and British citizens only.  Two age groups will be considered – up to 14 years of age, and 15 years of age and up.

3. Size Requirements: All submitted Artwork entries must be created on a maximum size of 8 1/2” X 11” and must be created on a flat paper material – no three-dimensional sculptures are allowed for this contest..

4. Medium: All artwork must be created entirely by the submitting artist. All two-dimensional hand-manipulated forms for art medium are acceptable. Oils, Acrylics, Pastels, Charcoal, Water Colors, Pencils, and Crayons are acceptable.  We will not accept any Computer Design, Computer Illustration, or digitally manipulated designs. No Commercial Photo Lab work will be accepted. All Artwork must be original – but must be photographed and e-mailed per number five below.

4. Subject Matter:  An original artistic rendering of ONE of Count Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Phantom of the Opera, The Wolf Man, or The Creature from the Black Lagoon.  This should be the artist’s completely original conception of the character, and not based on any previous versions that have appeared in film, TV, comics, or any other artistic medium.

5. Label all artwork with your name, medium used, age, and complete address, phone number, and e-mail address and e-mail it to: universalmonsterclub2012@yahoo.com.

6. Judging:  Will be done by a jury of prominent local Hollywood makeup artists and will be held prior to the October 2, 2012 release date of the Universal Classic Monsters – The Essential Collection set.

7. Dates:  All submissions MUST be received by September 30, 2012.

8. Prizes: One Grand Prize will be awarded for each age group— each Grand Prize winner will win the complete Essential Collection set plus the Jack Pierce – Universal Monsters Bust created by Art of Clay plus a person-to-person phone call with a Hollywood monster maker.  Five runners-up for each age group for each character included will win an Essential Collection Set.

9. Display: The top entries will have their collective artwork reproduced in high quality, full-color resolution and will be available for display on the Universal Monster Club website.

10. Note: All entries together with all of the entrant’s right, title and interest in the copyright for the work, shall become the sole property of Visionary Cinema upon submission. The entrant represents that each entry is the exclusive and original work of the entrant.  Universal Studios Home Entertainment will not be responsible for displaying any artwork that does not win a prize nor be responsible for offering feedback about any and all artwork.

Amazing Universal Monster Paintings

 

I stumbled across the work of Spanish artist Enrique Jiménez Corominas today and was blown away - these paintings are spectacular! Beautifully rendered with a real energetic style and vibrant colors, these are some of my favorite renditions of the Universal Monsters. You can visit the artist's site at: http://corominasart.blogspot.com/

Dracula 1931 Premiere

Check out this lobby display for Dracula as it premiered in the Kentucky Theatre in Lexington, 1931! Now THAT'S how you do it! To find out more about this historic theater visit: http://www.kentuckytheater.com/about/the-history-of-the-kentucky-theater/

Lugosi's Original 1931 Dracula Cape for Sell!

Got a spare $2 million dollars? If so, you could own the original Dracula cape owned and worn by Bela Lugosi in the Universal classic!

 I first heard about this auction at the fine blog Vampire Over London (which if you're not reading you really should check out) and knew I had to share with you guys here. The auction is being held through Profiles in History. I was always under the impression Bela had been buried in his Dracula cape, and that is true - HOWEVER, it wasn't the cape worn in the movie. Rather he was buried in a lighter weight cape he used for personal appearances. Bela gave the official cape to his ex-wife Lillian, to pass along to his son Bela Jr. She did just that when she passed away in 1981. Bela Jr. kept it since then but is now putting it up for auction, along with a number of other items.

This is an amazing item I thought was buried forever, literally - and I personally think it'll go for more than 2 million. The auction takes place December 15 - 16, 2011, and you can place bids online. Can't wait to see what the final selling price is.

But if you can't afford 2 million, never fear - in the very same auction is the much more affordable Al "Grandpa" Lewis' Munsters cape!!