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Post by ripper on Aug 16, 2016 13:30:58 GMT
Today, 16th August 2016, is the 60th anniversary of the death of horror film icon Bela Lugosi. A big star in the 1930s, he fell on hard times and was forced to work on low-budget poverty row productions later in his career. He had health issues, not the least being his addiction to drugs. Ed Wood gave him work in the final years of his life. There's debate about whether Wood was exploiting Lugosi for his name appeal. Irrespective of that, at least Wood gave him the opportunity to star in films again at a time when few others were interested.
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Post by Michael Connolly on Aug 16, 2016 13:48:30 GMT
I recently read a story attributed to Vincent Price. He, Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre were among Bela Lugosi's pallbearers. Boris Karloff asked "Do you think he's still in there?" This caused Vincent Price to laugh so much that the coffin bobbed up and down. I've just checked this. None of those named were at the funeral.
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Post by Dr Strange on Aug 16, 2016 16:33:01 GMT
I think the story is supposed to be that Peter Lorre said (to Price) "Do you think we should drive a stake through his heart just in case?"
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Post by ripper on Aug 17, 2016 10:47:18 GMT
He is also reputed to have been buried in his full Dracula costume.
I thought as it was the 60th anniversary I would view one of his films last night. To my chagrin I found that I don't own any of his most famous films, so I had to make do with one of his poverty row roles for PRC--The Devil Bat. I've watched it numerous times and find it enjoyable, so I had a pretty good time.
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