SON OF DRACULA

US, 1943, 80 minutes, Black and white.
Lon Chaney Jr, Louise Allbritton, Robert Paige, Samuel S. Hinds, Evelyn Ankers, Frank Craven, J. Edward Bromberg.
Directed by Robert Siodmak.

Son of Dracula is one of the many enjoyable horror features produced at Universal Studios in the '40s. It bears practically no relation to Universal's original Dracula. However, it is a variation on the theme, with Dracula disguising himself as Count Alucard and coming to the U.S. for fresh blood. Lon Chaney does a more dignified performance as Count Alucard. The rest is B-budget Universal material, stars and sets, but nevertheless coming together quite effectively. The director is Robert Siodmak (Spiral Staircase) who made a number of effective thrillers. An interesting variation on the theme.

1. Interesting and enjoyable horror movie of the '40s? The Dracula tradition?

2. B-budget, studio locations, the atmosphere of the south? Musical score and atmosphere?

3. The title, Count Alucard and his relationship to Dracula? Explanation of the Dracula traditions and the devastation of Transylvania?

4. The focus on the American southern town: the wealthy family and their welcoming Count Alucard, the dance, the death of-the father, the role of the judge, of the doctor? Kay and Claire and their position in society? Frank and his engagement to Claire? The anticipation of the arrival of the Count?

5. Count Alucard and Lon Chaney's style, in the Dracula tradition, the smoke, the bat and the special effects? His arrival, entering the house, killing the father? His relationship with Kay? Pursuing Frank? His attacking the young boy? The confrontation with the doctor? The final confrontation and his death?

6. Kay and her infatuation with the occult, inviting Count Alucard? Breaking the relationship with Frank? Being possessed by Alucard, hiding the coffin in the swamp? The wedding? The confrontation with the doctor? Frank and her visiting him in prison? His killing her?

7. Frank as hero, love for Kay, puzzle, the shooting of the Count, giving himself up, Kay's visit in prison, the attacks, his going to the house, destroying the vampires?

8. The doctor and his interest, concern, phoning the professor, searching the house, confrontation with Alucard and Kay, with Frank, retracing the steps? The professor and his background on vampires?

9. Claire and her concern, the reading of the will, worry about Frank and Kay?

10. Popular characters for this kind of small-budget horror film? Situations, horror atmosphere? The background of the Living Dead and the devastation of Europe? The Undead as a symbol of evil?