Dracula (Spanish Version) (1931).

The Scoop:
For a short time in the early days of the sound era, before subtitling and dubbing came into their own, Hollywood studios solved the problem of supplying films for the foreign marketplace by filming alternate language versions of their productions that were exact line-for-line replicas. Many were second-rate hack jobs, but some, like this version of the Bela Lugosi vehicle, are top-notch, even surpassing the English versions.

This alternate version of “Dracula,” directed by George Melford (with language assistance by Enrique Tovar Avalos), was shot after hours on the same sets as the English version. However, the stodginess of Tod Browning’s film is supplanted by a gorgeous gothic mood that is only hinted at in the more well-known version. The script, too, features little flashes of the underlying sexuality of the story which never made it into the English-language version. In addition, Melford elicited stronger performances from his Spanish-speaking cast, especially Lupita Tovar (as Eva, the count’s love interest) and Pablo Alvarez Rubio (as Renfield).

Carlos Villariás was a ham who couldn’t match Lugosi’s charisma in the title role, and Spanish speakers may notice the mismatching accents and wooden line readings. But these turn out to be minor quibbles given the excellence of the rest of the production.

The film was initially given a VHS release with English subtitles, but is most widely available now as part of the “Dracula Legacy” DVD collection without subtitles. However, the closed caption function can be used to provide English subtitles. At any rate, don’t overlook this obscure gem.

Best Bit:
Renfield’s seduction by the three brides of Dracula.

Side Note:
Shortly after production finished, Tovar married the film’s producer Paul Kohner, who went on to be one of the most powerful agents in Hollywood. Their daughter Susan Kohner was nominated for an Oscar for her supporting role in “Imitation of Life” (1959).

Companion Viewing:
“Dracula” (1931) and “El Mundo de los Vampyros” (1960).

Links:
IMDb.

Take a Look:
Renfield’s arrival at Dracula’s castle: