Dracula (1931)

Think you’ve seen the 1931 “Dracula?” Think again. While Todd Browning was directing Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, Dwight Frye, Everett Van Sloan and the rest of the English-speaking by day, George Melford, using the same scripts and the same sets, directed Carlos Villarías, Lupita Tovar, Pablo Alvarez Rubio, and Eduardo Arozamena in a Spanish-language version also called “Dracula” at night. The film did poorly in the US and modestly in Latin American countries. Because of that and other similar dual-version flops, the practice was discontinued in favor of subtitles and dubbing. It was deemed lost or incomplete until the 80’s when a full print was found in Cuba. It has been released in a variety of formats including as a bonus on the Lugosi “Dracula” DVD. Critical evaluation has been mixed - it’s generally conceded that the Spanish version is more sensual and atmospheric but runs longer and sags in spots. Villarías plays the Count a good deal more broadly which does not compare well with Lugosi’s iconic performance. Still, it’s worth a look.