Vlad Tepes (pronounced tsep-pesh) meaning "The Impaler" also was called Dracula or Dracul meaning "Son of the Dragon" or "Son of the Devil" was born in Schassburg Transylvania in 1431 and ruled Wallachia (a province of Rumania, that borders Transylvania) on three separate occasions 1448, 1456-1462 and also for two months of 1476. Although by all accounts his rule was extremely bloodthirsty and sadistic, he is still held as a folk hero to the native peoples of the region for fighting off the invading Turkish hordes (No offence meant to the people of Turkey) When his grave was uncovered in 1931 it is reported that no body was found only animal bones were discovered within. (Back)
Dracula the book by Bram Stoker
Dracula, the book of Bram Stoker first published in 1897 has never to my mind been adapted to film well. (Back)
Bela Lugosi, too my mind the most outstanding stage and screen dracula's was born in Hungary his portrayal of the count started as a stage play when he couldn't speak English and leant his lines phonetically, often not knowing the meaning of what he was saying, his role coming to film in 1931 in the Universal classic "Dracula" some film rushes taken before his death was used during the filming of plan 9 from outer space (Voted one of the worst moves of all time and a cult classic), he played the count or other vampires in many films of the era. A morphine user during his life, (Which he became additcted to while using it as a pain killer) and in character to the end he was interred (for the last time) warng his Dracula costume in 1956.
Christopher Lee an imposing dracula in many Hammer Horror Films of the 1970's was normal pited against his co actor, Peter Cushing as Von Helsing I have spent many a late night watching the two battle it out, in classic hammer style, lush backgrounds and overly dramatic music (Classic) :) (Back)
Last Updated 29/10/00