Dracula (Universal, 1931). Title Lobby Card (11" X 14"). ...

Description

Dracula (Universal, 1931). Title Lobby Card (11" X 14"). The first true sound horror film and one of ground-breaking significance in the Universal horror series, this classic is, and always will be, the definitive vampire film. Bram Stoker's gothic thriller had already been brought to the screen by German filmmaker F.W. Murnau in 1922 as "Nosferatu." Though the film had not been authorized by Stoker's widow and all of the prints supposedly destroyed as the result of a legal ruling, young Carl Laemmle, Jr. saw the box-office potential of the novel. Despite the onset of the depression and financial setbacks suffered by the studio, Laemmle bought the rights to the novel and the hit Broadway play which starred a young Hungarian actor named Bela Lugosi. Legend has it that Laemmle was not at all interested in Lugosi despite the great reviews the actor received. Lugosi actively sought the role, lobbied hard, and ultimately won the studio executives over, thanks in part to his willingness to accept a salary far smaller than his co-stars. With this role, film history was made and Lugosi would forever be immortalized as the ultimate Count Dracula! This gorgeous title card has a single tack hole in both the left and right borders. There is a minor corner bend in the upper right and what appears to be a slight pencil mark beginning below the small image of Helen Chandler's nose that extends into her neck, which has been expertly lightened to the point of being almost imperceptible. The card has the most faint dust shadows on the left and lower border. The colors on this card are outstanding, making this example one of the most striking known! This is a very rare and beautiful card with sharp corners. Very Fine+.

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