I remember seeing this on 'Creature Features' when I was about 9 years old and living in San Jose, California. I always remember the downbeat, unfair ending. I've always thought since then that Frank would never be the same, and I always wonder if he would have loved again. He's the character you wouldn't want to be.
I just saw this again on Turner Classic Movies, and it's good to see that the movie is fondly remembered by a number of people. I can't help but think that those who dismissed it as being too slow-moving must just not be used to the slower pacing of old movies.
At any rate, 'Son Of Dracula' boasted some firsts, including being the first Universal Dracula movie set in America, and the first to use the cool effect of Dracula turning into a bat and vice versa on screen. It's a fun effect. Reportedly, this is the first movie that features the name Alucard.
Also, Louise Allbritton as Katherine and Robert Paige as Frank were reportedly cast against type. Paige was more commonly known as a musical star, and Allbritton as a blonde comedian. I'll have to track down their other movies. Both Allbritton and Paige perform more adeptly in 'Son of Dracula' than some critics give them credit for. Allbritton is believable as the dark-haired temptress and apparent Goth wannabe. I could buy that she'd have all the moves to wrap both male leads around her finger. Paige's relatable performance as a delirious, heartbroken shell of a man couldn't have been easy to pull off.
A big part of the movie is the love triangle between Alucard, Katherine, and her one-time fiancé Frank. What she does to him made me wonder whether or not he was better off without her. Later, however, comes a revelation late in the movie that sets up the downbeat ending.
Naturally, there's some controversy about whether the film is atmospheric and well-photographed. I'd say the movie has the right amount of darkness and camera moves. I still remember the traveling shot following Lon Chaney Jr. as he and the scheming Katherine meet face-to-face.
Controversy also surrounds Chaney in the role of the opportunistic Count. Many think he was too wooden, and some disagreeing reviews actually state that he was just quietly menacing and underplayed. I'd go for the latter. When he quietly warns people away from his and Katherine's Deep-South love nest, and when he tries to push people around while hardly raising his voice, he gets what he wants. I suppose it was a matter of time before Chaney got the role of Dracula anyhow.
For a romantic horror movie you can sink your teeth into, you could certainly do worse than 'Son Of Dracula.' I haven't seen Dracula's Daughter yet, but SOD is a welcome addition to Universal's classic Dracula family.
I just saw this again on Turner Classic Movies, and it's good to see that the movie is fondly remembered by a number of people. I can't help but think that those who dismissed it as being too slow-moving must just not be used to the slower pacing of old movies.
At any rate, 'Son Of Dracula' boasted some firsts, including being the first Universal Dracula movie set in America, and the first to use the cool effect of Dracula turning into a bat and vice versa on screen. It's a fun effect. Reportedly, this is the first movie that features the name Alucard.
Also, Louise Allbritton as Katherine and Robert Paige as Frank were reportedly cast against type. Paige was more commonly known as a musical star, and Allbritton as a blonde comedian. I'll have to track down their other movies. Both Allbritton and Paige perform more adeptly in 'Son of Dracula' than some critics give them credit for. Allbritton is believable as the dark-haired temptress and apparent Goth wannabe. I could buy that she'd have all the moves to wrap both male leads around her finger. Paige's relatable performance as a delirious, heartbroken shell of a man couldn't have been easy to pull off.
A big part of the movie is the love triangle between Alucard, Katherine, and her one-time fiancé Frank. What she does to him made me wonder whether or not he was better off without her. Later, however, comes a revelation late in the movie that sets up the downbeat ending.
Naturally, there's some controversy about whether the film is atmospheric and well-photographed. I'd say the movie has the right amount of darkness and camera moves. I still remember the traveling shot following Lon Chaney Jr. as he and the scheming Katherine meet face-to-face.
Controversy also surrounds Chaney in the role of the opportunistic Count. Many think he was too wooden, and some disagreeing reviews actually state that he was just quietly menacing and underplayed. I'd go for the latter. When he quietly warns people away from his and Katherine's Deep-South love nest, and when he tries to push people around while hardly raising his voice, he gets what he wants. I suppose it was a matter of time before Chaney got the role of Dracula anyhow.
For a romantic horror movie you can sink your teeth into, you could certainly do worse than 'Son Of Dracula.' I haven't seen Dracula's Daughter yet, but SOD is a welcome addition to Universal's classic Dracula family.