bela lugosi wrote:
Wow.

So wait. I watched DRACULA when I was a little kid for the first time. It made a huge impression on me, and largely that was due to the mysterious, bizarre, macabre lead actor, the actor who ever since I have always thought of whenever I think of "Dracula" or even "vampires". Since that time, as I got older, I sought out other films by this strange and fascinating actor, Bela Lugosi. Now all this happened, I thought, naturally. But it seems I'm being told now that it's because I was born in America and this is why I was fascinated with this actor's compelling performance and why I think as I do? Get outta town!
I'm with you all the way.  Ever since I was a wee little lad my favorite monster was unquestionably the Frankenstein Monster.  Frankenstein, Frankenstein, FRANKENSTEIN!  He was my monster of choice.

That all changed when I was 12 or 13 years old and saw Browning's DRACULA for the first time.  I was completely entranced by Bela Lugosi - and incidentally, I had picked up a copy of the Bram Stoker novel at a yard sale only a month or two before.  Even though Lugosi's characterization was different from the novel - and the film story greatly condensed from the book - I was mesmerized by the Hungarian actor's performance.  Suddenly, my allegiance changed.  Lugosi sold me on DRACULA.

And now...  I learn the sordid truth.  I've been somehow persuaded to think I was enthralled and impressed with Bela Lugosi's brilliance when actually it's just due to my nationality! 

- GJS