Bela Lugosi Books
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Lugosi: His Life in Films, on Stage, and in the Hearts of Horror Lovers
Published in Hardcover by McFarland & Company (1997-02)
List price: $55.00
Used price: $38.99
Average review score: 
Excellent !
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-21
Review Date: 2008-01-21
A "Silents Majority" review of "Lugosi"
Helpful Votes: 19 out of 19 total.
Review Date: 1997-10-15
Review Date: 1997-10-15
Reference books generally have a reputation of being full of facts, yet dry in prose. While a bio-bibliography may not be traditionally called "entertainment," this ambitious effort successfully breaches the limitations of such reference books. It is a thought-provoking history of the great Béla Lugosi (1882 - 1956). His career was as varied and tragic, both publicly and privately, as John Barrymore's. His legend remains secure, thanks to "Dracula" (Universal, 1931). The life surrounding the legend has been colorfully illuminated thanks to Gary Don Rhodes. His phenomenal research charts Lugosi's long voyage of fame and infamy, revealing details never before printed. His documentation is truly an achievement and a labor of blood, sweat and love.
Lugosi was a lover of style, sports, good living and women. Rhodes provides exhaustive examples of his exploits, both publicized and private. The wealth of photos alone display Lugosi out of his cape as a sociable creature, playful, enthusiastic, an avid reader and a cigar aficionado. A ladies' man, he was married five times. All five marriages are covered in detail - after all, there is curiosity about the love life of a vampire! There is documentation of his stage, screen and even court appearances; critical analysis of his career; and quotes and articles about or by Lugosi. The light side and the dark side are equally exposed. He was a man of strengths and weaknesses - perhaps the most notable and depressing of the latter was his long-term drug addiction. All of these elements are integrated to present a fascinating portrait of a complex artist. Those who are obsessed by the great Hungarian actor will find a sumptuous feast to satisfy their hunger. Even the mildly intrigued will be drawn into this unique individual's world. Lugosi never lost his dignity nor his offbeat sense of humor. His proud Magyar heart kept his spirit intact despite efforts to break it. Rhodes' book unflinchingly sees all and tells all - with intelligence, compassion and devotion.
- Copyright, 1997, Diane MacIntyre, "The Silents Majority" (http://www.mdle.com/ClassicFilms/)
NOT WHAT YOU ARE EXPECTING...EVEN BETTER!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-10
Review Date: 2006-05-10
"Lugosi: His Life in Films, on Stage, and in the Hearts of Horror Lovers" isn't a biography of the late horror icon. Great biographies on Lugosi have already been done, most notably by Arthur Lennig in "The Immortal Count". Rather, author Gary Don Rhodes takes a different tack. While the book does contain a biography of Lugosi, it only comprises less than forty of the book's 400 plus pages. Rather, Rhodes has tried, and very successfully I might add, to provide lists of everything relating to Lugosi's life and career.
After the bio-section, we get a list of every known Lugosi residence in the United States, complete with address, telephone number, and the years...or often times months...that the actor resided at each spot. One could make quite a trip out of visiting all of Lugosi's former homes in California. We also get a list of all of Lugosi's court appearances for divorces, lawsuits, and bankruptcy petitions. Each goes into incredible detail and allows the reader a rare glimpse into a celebrity's personal life. There is a very detailed account of the lawsuit that Lugosi's son, Bela Jr., brought against Universal Studios when he discovered his fathers likeness being used to sell products such as the old Aurora model kits.
Rhodes next provides a list of every Lugosi film, not only his movies in the U.S., but also those he made in Germany, and his native Hungary before coming to America. Each film includes a list of cast, credits, plot, synopsis, and production notes. While there is obviously a lot more detail included on the films made here, I was quite surprised at the amount of information that Rhodes was able to uncover on Lugosi's foreign credits. It's hard enough sometimes to find out details about silent films made in this country, let alone those made in Germany and Hungary.
Next up we have Lugosi's stage, live, vaudeville, radio, and TV appearances, again with a staggering amount of detail. A selected list of over 500 articles from magazines over the years follows and provides even more details about his career. These articles are culled from magazines like Variety, Famous Monsters of Filmland, FilmFax, and Midnight Marquee.
Still hungry for more? How about a list of Lugosi's most famous quotes, books on the star, articles on merchandising and collecting Lugosi memorabilia, and Lugosi mysteries. Perhaps the most famous mystery surrounding Lugosi is the test film shot for his audition to play the monster in "Frankenstein". Rumors persisted for years that the film existed and it was even advertised for sale but was never produced. Truly one of the Holy Grails in horror history!
"Lugosi: His Life in Films, on Stage, and in the Hearts of Horror Lovers" is a fabulous book because it ISN'T what you thought it would be, i.e. just another biography. Rhodes did a lot of legwork to come up with a treasure chest full of information about a true Hollywood legend.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
After the bio-section, we get a list of every known Lugosi residence in the United States, complete with address, telephone number, and the years...or often times months...that the actor resided at each spot. One could make quite a trip out of visiting all of Lugosi's former homes in California. We also get a list of all of Lugosi's court appearances for divorces, lawsuits, and bankruptcy petitions. Each goes into incredible detail and allows the reader a rare glimpse into a celebrity's personal life. There is a very detailed account of the lawsuit that Lugosi's son, Bela Jr., brought against Universal Studios when he discovered his fathers likeness being used to sell products such as the old Aurora model kits.
Rhodes next provides a list of every Lugosi film, not only his movies in the U.S., but also those he made in Germany, and his native Hungary before coming to America. Each film includes a list of cast, credits, plot, synopsis, and production notes. While there is obviously a lot more detail included on the films made here, I was quite surprised at the amount of information that Rhodes was able to uncover on Lugosi's foreign credits. It's hard enough sometimes to find out details about silent films made in this country, let alone those made in Germany and Hungary.
Next up we have Lugosi's stage, live, vaudeville, radio, and TV appearances, again with a staggering amount of detail. A selected list of over 500 articles from magazines over the years follows and provides even more details about his career. These articles are culled from magazines like Variety, Famous Monsters of Filmland, FilmFax, and Midnight Marquee.
Still hungry for more? How about a list of Lugosi's most famous quotes, books on the star, articles on merchandising and collecting Lugosi memorabilia, and Lugosi mysteries. Perhaps the most famous mystery surrounding Lugosi is the test film shot for his audition to play the monster in "Frankenstein". Rumors persisted for years that the film existed and it was even advertised for sale but was never produced. Truly one of the Holy Grails in horror history!
"Lugosi: His Life in Films, on Stage, and in the Hearts of Horror Lovers" is a fabulous book because it ISN'T what you thought it would be, i.e. just another biography. Rhodes did a lot of legwork to come up with a treasure chest full of information about a true Hollywood legend.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
King of Horror Masterpiece
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-05
Review Date: 2001-10-05
In August, 1956, faded horror film star Bela Lugosi died forgotten and penniless in Los Angeles. Five marriages, two bankruptcies, and a slow descent into chemical abuse and career collapse had taken their toll. Considered the ultimate "Dracula" star and actor today, Lugosi had watched his film success peak in the early 1930's. Boris Karloff quickly passed him by as the new King of Hollywood Horror. And poor Bela never recovered from the loss of prestige. Settling for a paltry $3500. to star in "Dracula" for Universal in 1931, Lugosi fumbled through a long line of poor business managers and faulty screen appearances right up until his untimely death. Just one year after his demise, Universal Studios re-packaged their old classic 1930's horror flicks for TV as "Shock Theater". Instantly, teens around the world reveled in the calculated mannerisms of the Hungarian Count. A big new star was born...just after his final curtain. "Lugosi: His Life in Films" reveals every detail. Published in 1996, you won't find this excellent compendium in any store. But you can order it through Amazon. Lovingly written by cinephile Gary Don Rhodes, the book lists every film, event, and appearance of the cinema icon. Bela Lugosi was scheduled to play Dracula in 1944's "House of Frankenstein". He never did. A marvelous photo of him as Jesus Christ(one of many great pics) reveals his true versatility. These rare pictures and historical investigations are all here for the true Lugosi fan. It's astounding that such a comprehensive work is available. Should we be surprised? Maybe not. After all..."There are many things under the sun..."
Sinister Serials of Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney, Jr.
Published in Paperback by Midnight Marquee Pr (2000-03-01)
List price: $20.00
New price: $20.00
Used price: $16.53
Used price: $16.53
Average review score:
Dracula, the Wolf Man and Frankenstein's Monster...weekly, for your pleasure!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-11
Review Date: 2007-07-11
Leonard Kohl's book fills a much needed gap in my personal knowledge of cinema history. The serial is a form I remember with great fondness. As a child, it was a part of my first forays into the world on my own when my chums and I hoofed it to the Strand Theater on Saturday mornings for an hour of cartoons, a cowboy double feature, a humiliating go in the yo-yo contest and, of course, to catch the latest installment of ..... Radio Patrol....Don Winslow of the Navy...Tim Tyler's Luck... Whatever! By then (circa 1950), the heyday of the cheap and keep-em-coming-back cinema serial was ending and the subjects of Mr. Kohl's excellent work had gone on to bigger things (except, sadly, for Bela Lugosi, who -- as I discovered in "Sinister Serials" -- began his American film career with bigger things, only to slide into the world of serials).
This book is clear, concise, and well written. Kohl spins out the stories of these three seminal film figures and provides us with an outstanding look at a now-past era in film history. An excellent piece of work!
This book is clear, concise, and well written. Kohl spins out the stories of these three seminal film figures and provides us with an outstanding look at a now-past era in film history. An excellent piece of work!
If you're wearing a hat, hold on!!!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2001-03-23
Review Date: 2001-03-23
Because Mr. Kohl will blow you away!!!! This is a fine book. The research is impeccable. The photos are sublime. Kudos to the author!!! I saw Mr. Kohl give the commencement address at the University of Chicago and the crowd was mesmerized. Most likely, because he hadn't been invited by the school to give it.
A great read, and handy reference, for movie buffs
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-23
Review Date: 2000-04-23
Kudos to Kohl, who has done a fine job of presenting an informative, and always fair-handed, look at a fascinating period in movie making. This is clearly the product of painstaking research, resulting in a heaping-helping of historical data, elucidating testimonials, with a rich array of pictures to boot. Every true fan of "The Sreamsome Threesome"--Karloff, Lugosi, and Chaney--and the too-often overlooked serials genre, should get their hands on this.
Thumbs up for a fine job
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-27
Review Date: 2000-05-27
Leonard Kohl's first book is a fine effort, a splendid purchase for any fan of the big three horror icons who made serials. It is loaded with interesting facts. Where else could you discover that silent comedy star Harry Langdon almost co-starred with Lugosi in THE WHISPERING SHADOW. The book is chock full of rare photos, and they are a genuine treat. Fans of Charle Chan would be happy to find rare photos of Warner Oland from silent serials. This volume is a recommended purchase. As an author myself, I can see the hard work and dedication that went ito this volume.
The Count: The life and films of Bela "Dracula" Lugosi
Published in Unknown Binding by Putnam (1974)
List price: $10.00
Used price: $8.34
Collectible price: $32.00
Collectible price: $32.00
Average review score:
Excellent
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-15
Review Date: 1999-05-15
This fascinating biography chronicles the life and work of Hollywood legend Bela Lugosi. Richly detailed, the book takes the reader through the highs and lows of Lugosi's life, from his early success as a stage actor, to his last tragic years working for the notorious producer Ed Wood. Professor Lennig is uniquely qualified to write this story, as he is a film scholar and was a personal friend of Lugosi. Thus, he has given us a work which is both meticulously researched and lovingly crafted. Thank you, Professor Lennig - beautifully done!
A must read for Bela Lugosi fans.
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 1999-04-11
Review Date: 1999-04-11
If you are a Bela Lugosi fan, you must read this book! It is very factual, and has many pictures. As far as I know, there are no mistakes. The author got a visit from Bela in 1947, so he knows quite a bit about him!
Raconteur: Show Biz Stories from the Soul
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
List price: $16.98
Average review score:
Will fascinate, inform and thoroughly entertain the listener
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-02-16
Review Date: 2001-02-16
Jeff Wayne's Raconteur is a very funny and highly engaging collection of original stories about some of the twenty four performers of stage and screen. From Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lewis, Bob Hope, and Marlon Brando, to Dean Martin, Errol Flynn, Gary Cooper, and Elvis Presley, here are anecdotal tales that will fascinate, inform and thoroughly entertain the listener. Highly recommended for both personal and community library audiobook collections, Raconteur is also available in a CD format (07-3, ....
The next best thing to sitting front row center!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-07
Review Date: 2000-09-07
This two CD, two hour collection of highly entertainting show business stories and anecdotes by Jeff Wayne includes such luminaries as Elivs Presley, Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lewis, Bob Hope, Biong Crosby, The Beatles, Bela Lugosi, Andy Kaufman, Jay Leno, Pavoroti, Gary Cooper, and a host of other entertainment celebrities. Jeff's comedic stand-up timing is enhanced with a natural storytelling ability told with genuine wit and a little wisdom!
Vampire over London: Bela Lugosi in Britain
Published in Hardcover by Cult Movies Pr (2000-09)
List price: $29.95
Used price: $100.22
Average review score:
For All Lugosi Fans
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-24
Review Date: 2007-02-24
This book is not likely to be a best seller, for the subject matter is geared toward the fans of Bela Lugosi. Lugosi has a very strong fan base, despite the actor's death in the middle 1950's.
This book chronicles Lugosi's last big tour in the play that was has claim to fame, and also the play that typecast him, 'Dracula'. It also tells the story of Lugosi's three films made in England, 'The Mystery of The Marie Celeste, Deads Eyes Of London, Mother Riley Meets The Vampire'.
There is much detail of the English tour of 'Dracula', and for Lugosi fans there is a lot of information about him and his life that will interest them. For the Lugosiphile, this book is a must read.
This book chronicles Lugosi's last big tour in the play that was has claim to fame, and also the play that typecast him, 'Dracula'. It also tells the story of Lugosi's three films made in England, 'The Mystery of The Marie Celeste, Deads Eyes Of London, Mother Riley Meets The Vampire'.
There is much detail of the English tour of 'Dracula', and for Lugosi fans there is a lot of information about him and his life that will interest them. For the Lugosiphile, this book is a must read.
Immortal Count: The Life and Films of Bela Lugosi
Published in Leather Bound by University Press of Kentucky (2003-06)
List price: $100.00
New price: $100.00
Collectible price: $100.00
Collectible price: $100.00
Average review score: 
Great for all Lugosi Fans
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-16
Review Date: 2007-01-16
This book is well researched and well written. It is very informative and very entertaining. I highly recommend this to any Bela fan or fan of the horror genre.
I Love This Book BUT...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-10
Review Date: 2006-10-10
I loved this book.I read the first addition originally published in 1973.This revised edition is even better,with more photos.HOWEVER, I really am sick and tired of all of the Bela Jr. bashing in THIS edition.Mr. Lenning gives a very ONE SIDED account of the court battles that ensued after Lugosi's death between Bela Lugosi Jr.and his fathers widow, Hope.Aside from that, I recommend this book highly to fans of Lugosi's and those new to his work.
Fantastic a must for all Lugosi fans
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-16
Review Date: 2006-03-16
What can I say, this book is a great followup expansion of Lennig's earlier biography, which has been my favorite books since I purchased it in the early 1970s. Informative and loaded with pictures, you can tell the author idolizes the subject and won't skimp on the details. This book shows why Lugosi should be considered to be more than just a ham actor from the golden age of Hollywood which many reviewers do, but a bonifided talented star.
Definitive
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-30
Review Date: 2005-11-30
By now, everyone knows that Arthur Lennig has reworked his 1974 mini-cult classic THE COUNT. What I didn't know was the extent to which he did.
THE COUNT was tough to come by when I was a kid trying to read about Lugosi, Karloff, and Chaney Jr. My public library had it, and my brother and I would check it out on alternative weeks to keep it in our possession (seemingly, no one else was clamoring for it). When Lennig released the rewrite, I kept waiting for the price to fall (it never really did), so a year later, I caved in and bought it.
I'm glad I did. Lennig has expanded the book beautifully, utilizing the latest scholarship and revising entire chunks. He's also re-evaluated the credibility of some of his sources (Caroll Borland among them), and integrated some of the opinions of Gregory William Mank. The new book also softens some of the pot-shots he took at Karloff in 1974, and casts Chaney Jr. in a far less unfavorable light. The Epilogue is really interesting and up to date. In fact, the one fault is that Lennig may still have too much affection for Lugosi to be truly objective--but that's a "fault" easily excused if you have the same "fault" yourself!
In all, THE IMMORTAL COUNT is a terrific read, nicely updated, and a great addition to your library.
THE COUNT was tough to come by when I was a kid trying to read about Lugosi, Karloff, and Chaney Jr. My public library had it, and my brother and I would check it out on alternative weeks to keep it in our possession (seemingly, no one else was clamoring for it). When Lennig released the rewrite, I kept waiting for the price to fall (it never really did), so a year later, I caved in and bought it.
I'm glad I did. Lennig has expanded the book beautifully, utilizing the latest scholarship and revising entire chunks. He's also re-evaluated the credibility of some of his sources (Caroll Borland among them), and integrated some of the opinions of Gregory William Mank. The new book also softens some of the pot-shots he took at Karloff in 1974, and casts Chaney Jr. in a far less unfavorable light. The Epilogue is really interesting and up to date. In fact, the one fault is that Lennig may still have too much affection for Lugosi to be truly objective--but that's a "fault" easily excused if you have the same "fault" yourself!
In all, THE IMMORTAL COUNT is a terrific read, nicely updated, and a great addition to your library.
This guy needs a new editor
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-05
Review Date: 2006-04-05
First off, I admit that it pains me to find fault in such an obvious labor of love. Mr. Lennig must certainly be the Greatest Living Bela Lugosi Fan, and it shows. The Immortal Count is painstakingly detailed in its accounts of both the content and construction of Lugosi's films. But for all its technical prowess, Lennig's writing vacilates between professional criticism and amateurish defensivness.
For example: The author laments the he himself was maligned in another book, Universal Horrors. Like a child who's just been called a bad name, Lennig makes reference to "smart-ass critics." Does anyone reading this book CARE what other critics think of the author? It's a moment of self-indulgence that does not belong in what should be--by virute of volume alone--the definitive study of the films of Bela Lugosi.
There is much concensus among film critics that Lugosi himself often bended the truth to his will, especially in interviews conducted during his final years. Reading THE IMMORTAL COUNT, one suspects Arthur Lenning has, himself, succumbed to the same malady. He appears ready to defend his subject's shortcomings at every turn. While such hero worship can be charming, in this context it seems unprofessional.
The other, somewhat lesser, problem I found with the book is that the author often feels it necessary to give virtually shot-by-shot descriptions of the films. Lennig has many "behind-the-scenes" tales to tell, and these should make up the bulk of the material.
If the film descriptions could be trimmed, and the irrelevant asides excised, I believe THE IMMORTAL COUNT would be very close to the defintive Lugosi history we fans have been waiting for. As it stands, it's a lovingly-crafted but highly-flawed work.
For example: The author laments the he himself was maligned in another book, Universal Horrors. Like a child who's just been called a bad name, Lennig makes reference to "smart-ass critics." Does anyone reading this book CARE what other critics think of the author? It's a moment of self-indulgence that does not belong in what should be--by virute of volume alone--the definitive study of the films of Bela Lugosi.
There is much concensus among film critics that Lugosi himself often bended the truth to his will, especially in interviews conducted during his final years. Reading THE IMMORTAL COUNT, one suspects Arthur Lenning has, himself, succumbed to the same malady. He appears ready to defend his subject's shortcomings at every turn. While such hero worship can be charming, in this context it seems unprofessional.
The other, somewhat lesser, problem I found with the book is that the author often feels it necessary to give virtually shot-by-shot descriptions of the films. Lennig has many "behind-the-scenes" tales to tell, and these should make up the bulk of the material.
If the film descriptions could be trimmed, and the irrelevant asides excised, I believe THE IMMORTAL COUNT would be very close to the defintive Lugosi history we fans have been waiting for. As it stands, it's a lovingly-crafted but highly-flawed work.
Night of Dracula
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Pocket (2001-10-02)
List price: $6.99
New price: $2.88
Used price: $0.86
Used price: $0.86
Average review score:
VERY ORIGINAL, VERY INTERESTING
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-12
Review Date: 2002-07-12
Although I was slightly disappointed that the real vampire Count Dracula was not in this, I was quickly surprised at this rather genious reworking of the legend. This book depicts "real" vampirism, without the supernatural aspect, displaying it as more of a disease than a hellish curse. The plot is like a modern telling of the original Lugosi film, with some original additions and twists created by the author. The characters' names are the same, and at some points in the story it feels like we are not in modern day Georgia, but London in the 1800's. In any case, this was a very enjoyable book, and is by no means cliche or predictable. The ending, in particular was a very creative twist. What I loved most was how different this book would be than what I originally expected. If you love the classic monsters, or are a Dracula fan, read this book. It'll be a fun experience!
Highly recommended
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-09
Review Date: 2002-03-09
I just finished reading this book and, while I have never written a review before, I feel that some of the comments made by another reviewer need clarifying, as this is far from an awful book. Christopher Schildt has done the unimaginable and written a contemporary Dracula book that is not cliche or boring. Bram Stoker's original characters are joined by Schildt's own, and all are exciting. The dynamism of these characters accurately portrays the conflict of the human condition, and the difficult choice between reason and emotion that we all face.
Understand: this book is not simply a rehashing of Stoker's story, but rather an original story. And any educated reader will find that the mention of such topics as AIDS is by no means an added distraction or meaningless drivel, but an intelligent, albeit subtle, commentary on such a grave problem. Schildt's social conscience must be admired.
Bottom-line: "Night of Dracula" is a well-written, enjoyable story, and well worth buying.
The best contemporary Dracula
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-20
Review Date: 2002-03-20
Great! One needs to say no more. If you like contemporary Dracula stories this is the one for you. At last a believable version of the age old classic. The book contains a twist like none other at the end. A must read for any fan of Lugosi.
Fantastic book!!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-09
Review Date: 2002-03-09
Christopher Schildt manages to capture in this unassuming mass-market paperback the essence and gothic elegance of Bram Stoker's original "Dracula." Schildt delivers this captivating and fast-paced story with a literary flair that will leave the reader hanging on every word. Fans of the horror genre and of the original Dracula story will love this book. Other readers will quickly find that "Night of Dracula" is as much of a love story and mystery as it is a "horror" book, and will thoroughly enjoy it as well.
I can't wait to read Schildt's next book!
Great Book
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-07
Review Date: 2002-03-07
I have just finished reading this book. It wasn't a copy of Stoker's work, nor was it a repeat of Universal Studios work. It was unique. In ever Dracula story Van Helsing cases after the vampire, with the help of Dr. Steward. I was really surprised when this plot took a different direction. It is filled with all sorts of great twists that are missing in other monster books like the ones released by David Jacaobs. What really took me by surprise was the ending. Wow I didn't see that one coming, much to my pleasant surprise. With that said, I would highly recommend this book. But remember, this isn't a repeat of Bram Stoker and I'm glad it wasn't. I know what happens in that story. I know how that plot goes. If you think you know what is going to happen in this book as a Dracula story you are in for a huge surprise and a pleasant one at that. This book is HIGHLY recommended.
Bela Lugosi - Dreams and Nightmares
Published in Hardcover by Collectables Press (2007-02-27)
List price: $39.95
New price: $39.95
Used price: $31.96
Used price: $31.96
Average review score:
Bela Lugosi, I never knew
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-12
Review Date: 2007-12-12
I had no idea that Bela Lugosi was such a complex person. It is obvious to me that very comprehensive research was done on Mr. Lugosi's life to have compiled such a thourough life story. Very entertaining reading!!
Two thumbs up!
Matt
Two thumbs up!
Matt
bela world
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-25
Review Date: 2007-10-25
I very much enjoyed Mr. Rhodes analysis of Lugosi's life, and even added material in addition to his first book. But Rhodes tends to overlooks Lugosi's shortcomings and failures, and doesn't connect his obvious ties to the Communist party with his lackluster Hollywood career.
Nevertheless, there are many interesting tidbits and trivia additions.
Nevertheless, there are many interesting tidbits and trivia additions.
Bela's Twilight......
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-07
Review Date: 2007-05-07
This is a wonderful book for all of us Lugosi fans. He was an amazing presence on film and this book recounts not only his later years but the years that led up to them, as well. Mr. Rhodes and Mr. Sheffield obviously share a great affection for Bela and so say all of us. Highly recommended.
A Visual and Verbal Masterpiece!!!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-31
Review Date: 2007-05-31
Wow! I've read lousy books with great covers and layout. I've read great books with lousy covers and layout. Here we have a book that is both visually stunning (one of the best book cover designs ever!)(lavishly seasoned with illustrative delight after delight) and a book that is superbly written: entertaining, informative, deeply moving and highly evocative of a time and place in the life of the legendary Lugosi - primarily covering the final decade of his days. I never wanted this book to end! Alas, I have just finished reading it...and was moved to tears at Mr. Rhodes' poignant description of the death and subsequent removal of Bela Lugosi's body from his home. All great things come to an end! Lives - and books! (One morbid and vague part of the book - and a few typos here and there - are the book's only flaws. The morbid and vague part of the text is the description of Richard Sheffield's unearthing of a corpse and the keeping of its skull. We never learn whose grave is desecrated and the reason why!!! Is an avid love of horror films enough of a reason to commit such a Norman Bate-ish act of vandalism? It may be poorly excused as a folly of youth, however as a lover of horror films from pre-school on I had, myself, as a teen, contemplated doing a Dr. Frankenstein on some stray gravesite...but never really could...or would! Apparently, Mr. Sheffield had no qualms about desecrating some poor, unfortunate's grave...and polishing up the gold tooth of the stolen skull. The recounting of this teen "prank" did, I must admit, leave me somewhat angered. The book could well have done without it. Is nothing sacred?) But back to the work at hand: Bela Lugosi must be smiling that wonderful smile of his down upon Gary Rhodes from that Castle Dracula in the sky!
DREAMS!!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-23
Review Date: 2007-02-23
Having read all of Mr. Rhodes books, and they all have been 5 stars,this is the best.Not to many people know about this part of Lugosi's life as well as Mr. Rhodes. This was truly a labor of love and dedication. All that is left is BRAVO, authario,BRAVO. Mr. Sheffield also deserves kudo's on all his knowledge of Lugosi. The stills and other bits of entertainment pieces make this a great read. HIGHLY RECOMENDED.
Karloff and Lugosi: The Story of a Haunting Collaboration, With a Complete Filmography of Their Films Together
Published in Hardcover by McFarland & Company (1990-01)
List price: $42.50
Used price: $76.20
Average review score:
A worthwhile resource and read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-30
Review Date: 2008-01-30
Fans of the era of Universal Studios classic horror films should not hesitate to purchase this book. Few icons of cinema surpass Bela Lugosi or Boris Karloff in the minds of horror gourmets. Mank provides in this weighty volume a detailed background to the few films these two stars shared billing. Mank includes firsthand accoutns, gossip, production history, and some authorial analysis (that more often compliments the details than intrudes). This is a resource that demands repeated readings, especially after watching a Lugosi/Karloff film.
Kings of horror given royal treatment
Helpful Votes: 14 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-26
Review Date: 2002-04-26
This book is well written and painstakingly researched. Mank has personally interviewed as many of the players in the Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff story as was possible, and to his credit he includes plenty of conflicting stories. He has poured through studio records and includes information on star billing, salaries and even production updates. Mank even goes to the trouble of giving exact addresses of the stars homes! The end of the book features complete career information about each star (including theatre, film and television) and a detailed filmography of the films they made together.
The book takes a linear route, and Mank treats it like a slowly unraveling story beginning with Karloff's arrival on the Universal lot to play Frankenstein's monster and ending with his death. In between those events he devotes entire chapters to the eight films Lugosi and Karloff made together: The Black Cat (1934), Gift of Gab (1934), The Raven (1935), The Invisible Ray (1936), Son of Frankenstein (1939), Black Friday (1940), You'll Find Out (1940) and The Body Snatcher (1945). In addition a few chapters are provided in between to fill out the story between movies (including a chapter devoted to Bride of Frankenstein) and separate chapters at the end devoted to the end of each star's life. The chapter on the Black Cat is particularly detailed and informative and makes the book worth the price and the time in and of itself.
The 372 pages are packed with information. There are quotes from the stars themselves, their wives, friends, fellow actors and directors. As I said before many of these stories disagree especially when it comes to Lugosi. There are many mini-biographies of such luminaries as James Whale, Dwight Frye, Edgar Ulmer, David Manners, Colin Clive, Peter Lorre, Val Lewton, and just about every other major figure to come in contact with the two actors. There are many great full-page pictures (many that I haven't seen anywhere else).
Mank proceeds from the premise of contrasting "Dear Boris" as a gentle beloved distinguished and successful actor and "Poor Bela" as a doomed tragic figure who was misunderstood and a victim of circumstance and his own mismanaged affairs. This is a great hook to give the book some spice, but ultimately it is the weakness of the book. Mank is up front about the fact that he is biased towards Karloff, and I feel he misses the point at times about Lugosi's talent and his ultimate fate. For instance he praises Karloff for knowing when he was in a dog and phoning in his performance and condemns Lugosi for always playing his heart out no matter how bad the film. I disagree with this approach completely. However, despite the sometime distracting Karloff bias, this book is still the best and most informative book I have ever read on the subject. To his credit, Mank tries hard to be fair (who after all is truly unbiased and at least Mank recognizes his) to the point of printing opinions that don't agree with his.
I highly recommend this to any fan of Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, classic horror movies, old Hollywood and film in general. It is both fascinating and easy to read.
Never Cross a Vampire (Unabridged)
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
List price: $29.95
Average review score:
One of the better Toby Peters mysteries
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-01-25
Review Date: 2001-01-25
I have read and enjoyed most (if not all) of the Toby Peters mysteries, and this was one of the better ones. Toby represents both Bela Lugosi and William Faulkner at the same time -- Lugosi is being stalked, Faulkner is accused of murder -- and the cases quickly become entwined, with Toby not knowing where one case ends and the other begins. One of the differences to this book (that I don't remember in any other) is that it doesn't begin with the "bad guy" chasing or confronting Toby. There *is* some flashback, but it is expository. As usual, the era references are interesting, and in the re-printed version (that came out in October 2000) there is an good afterword by Kaminsky about the Peters novels and about Bela Lugosi.
Bela Lugosi returns from the Grave....AGAIN!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1998-06-30
Review Date: 1998-06-30
I read "Never Cross a Vampire" almost ten years ago and I enjoyed the endearing portrait of Bela Lugosi. The book also features a cameo by Boris Karloff and does not shrink from his rivalry with Lugosi. It is fun to read how a "B-Movie Star Villain" can save the day.
Also, the Asian Professor's account on the myth of internation vampires deserves special mention.
Can we imagine Bela Lugosi as Jesuschrist and Dracula at the same time ???