Dracula (1931)

The American pre-Code supernatural horror film, Dracula (1931), was directed and co-produced by Tod Browning. The screenplay was written by Garrett Fort and the film starred Bela Lugosi in the title role. It is an adaptation of the 1924 stage play Dracula by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston, which is based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel of the same name. Renfield, a solicitor on a business venture, travels to Count Dracula’s castle in Transylvania. The villagers warn him of the supposed presence of vampires at the castle and advise him against going there. However, Renfield insists on being taken to the Borgo Pass instead of staying at the village inn. Disguised as a coach driver, Dracula drives Renfield to the castle. As they approach, Renfield leans out of the carriage and sees that the driver has vanished; instead, a bat leads them onward.

Renfield is welcomed into the castle by a charming but eccentric Count, who unbeknownst to him, is a vampire. The two discuss Dracula’s plans to lease Carfax Abbey in England and his upcoming journey. Using hypnosis, Dracula convinces Renfield to open a window. Overcome with fear, Renfield faints as a bat appears and Dracula’s three wives approach. However, the Count waves them away and turns his attention to attacking Renfield himself. On the schooner Vesta, Renfield has been turned into a raving lunatic under Dracula’s control. The vampire hides in a coffin and feeds on the ship’s crew. Upon reaching England, it is discovered that Renfield is the only living person aboard.