oregan wrote:
I agree on Villarias though my opinion is that Rubio's Renfield is at least equal to if not more exciting than Fryes.



The problem I have with both actors is that I'm always aware that they're trying to upstage their English version counterparts. The other supporting players in Melford's film don't affect me this way.

Regarding Renfields: Frye's wild stare and creepy cadence of that laugh is much more effective, I think, than Rubio's frantic screaming and thrashing about.

I know it sounds like I abhor the Spanish version, but that's not the case at all. I only get more pointed in my criticism when I put it up next to Browning's film. On its own, Melford's version has enough in it to EVOKE its more celebrated alternate, and that can't be such a bad thing. It's even got Lugosi in a few long shots.

Just when I thought my appreciation for DRACULA can't get any better, Gary Rhodes' book is proving otherwise. The wealth of new information I'm learning is further bolstering what I've always believed about the film - that it truly is a horror masterpiece. Only now I better understand why that's the case, given the various contexts that are discussed.

Last Edited By: Casey62 Feb 10 15 1:13 PM. Edited 1 times.