Features
- Cover Type: Hard Cover with 560 pages
- Published by: University Press of Kentucky June 27, 2003
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0813122732
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0813122731
-
Book Dimensions:
9.1 x 5.9 x 1.8 inches
- Weighs: 2 pounds
From Publishers Weekly
Lennig's lifelong worship of his subject adds an intensely personal flavor to this biography of the complex horror king, which shines in its ability to respect Lugosi's talent, regardless of personality flaws. A ladies' man and opportunist, Lugosi married his first wife for money, later rewriting her as a great love. After triumphing in Broadway's Dracula, Lugosi (1882-1956) solidified his image with the 1931 film version: as he told the
New York Times, "every producer in Hollywood had definitely set me down as a `type.' I was both amused and bitterly disappointed." Lennig details the key creative tragedy of Lugosi's life: turning down the part of Frankenstein, which enabled Boris Karloff to win it. Lugosi sank permanently to second position in the horror hall of fame. Lennig knowledgeably analyzes every important Lugosi film, and those who don't adore the genre may skim some of the voluminous commentary. But the character details are always engrossing, and Lugosi's declaration that "[e]very actor is somewhat mad, or else he'd be a plumber or a bookkeeper or a salesman" is in keeping with his tormented psyche. Lennig describes the star's last years without maudlin excess, as Lugosi struggles with unemployment, financial problems, depression, drinking and drugs. Like many underappreciated geniuses, Lugosi had to cope with vitriolic reviews; it's heartening that he surmounted them and attained classic status after death. Lennig lucidly illustrates through Lugosi's words why his reputation has continued to grow: "You can't make people believe in you if you play a horror part with your tongue in your cheek you must believe in it while you are playing it." 75 b&w photos.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Review
"A comprehensive and richly detailed study of Bela Lugosi's complex personality and often underrated career." --
Paul M. Jensen, author of THE MEN WHO MADE MONSTERS"A moving, lively, witty, sad book that revives once more the long dead Count Dracula." --
Kirkus"An example for future writers of show business biographies." --
Library Journal
Reader ReviewsIn 1974 Prof. Arthur Lennig wrote a biography of Bela Lugosi called "The Count". Long out-of-print, I've seen used copies selling on Amazon-internet for as much as $600. In 2000, Lennig penned "Stroheim", a cerebral study, challenging the myths of Stroheim's life. "Stroheim" is now considered the ultimate biography of Erich von Stroheim. In 2003, Lennig released "The Immortal Count", an expanded, re-written analysis of the life and films of Lugosi. Using all new records and actual Hungarian data, Lennig shatters accepted legends; he re-explores this great actor's legacy. Lugosi himself recalled for the press his early starring role in "Hamlet" at Hungary's Royal National Theater. But it never happened. He played only a small supporting role as Rosencrantz. In 1955, at the end of his life, Lugosi voluntarily submitted himself to Los Angeles authorities for drug rehabilitation. "I've been an addict for twenty years!" he proclaimed. It never happened. His fourth wife Lillian(who lived with him for 23 years) testified that he began taking pain-killing medications in 1943. Blessed with grace and talent as a young man, Lugosi acted in plays and films in Hungary and Germany; enticing young women and attracting married ones as well. Appearing on a Los Angeles stage in "Dracula" in 1928, he began a torrid affair with the famous 23-year-old siren Clara Bow. He was 46. After starring in Universal's 1931 "Dracula", and being offered the lead in "Frankenstein", Lugosi enjoyed a few years of glittering Hollywood success. But poor fiscal decisions, bad business managers, five marriages, and horror-film typecasting ushered Lugosi into years of low-paying roles in minor B-Pictures. And no money. From legal records and other information, Lugosi was virtually penniless in 1921, 1924, 1932, 1937-1938, and from 1953 on to his death. So much for the Hollywood dream. Once a proud, old-world European, he now faced hardship and embarrassment. Battling depression and alcoholism, Bela Lugosi died ignored and forgotten in Hollywood on August 16, 1956. His entire estate was valued at less than $1900. "The Immortal Count" bravely dissects the ironic life and amazing legend of one of the 20th Century's greatest performers. In 1931, the horror film industry was born: Universal Pictures' "Dracula". The star, Bela Lugosi, was paid just $3500. Last year, I saw an old Bela Lugosi poster(50 years old) selling on EBAY for $5,000. Sadly, Lugosi would never know the world's true calculation of his unique talents. "The way you walked was thorny, through no fault of your own. But as the rain enters the soil, the river enters the sea, so tears run to their predestined end. Your suffering is over, Bela my son. Now you will find peace."
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