The Immortal Count: The Life and Films of Bela Lugosi

Bela Lugosi won immediate fame with his portrayal of the immortal count in the 1931 film Dracula. While the role may have given him eternal life on the silver screen it doomed him to a career plagued by typecasting. After a decade of trying vainly to broaden his range and secure parts to challenge his acting abilities Lugosi finally resigned himself to a career as the worlds most recognizable vampire. His last years were spent as a forgotten and rather tragic figure. When he died in 1956 Lugosi could not have known that vindication of his talent would comehis face would adorn theaters his image would appear on greeting cards and postage stamps his film memorabilia would sell for more than he earned in his entire career and his Hungarian accent would be instantly recognized by millions of people. Martin Landaus Oscar-winning role as Lugosi in the 1994 film Ed Wood added an ironic twist to a career that had ended in oblivion. In 1974 devoted Lugosi fan Arthur Lennig published a highly regarded biography of the unsung actor. More than twice the length of the original and completely rewritten The Immortal Count provides deeper insights into Lugosis films and personality. Drawing upon personal interviews studio memos shooting scripts research in Romania and Hungary and his own recollections Lennig has written the definitive account of Lugosis tragic life.