Dracula's Daughter

While just about every fan in America anticipated a sequel to Dracula that featured Bela Lugosi, Universal Studios instead decided to give the role to Gloria Holden and have her play Dracula's daughter. Yes, I know she was never mentioned in the original, but the movie somehow still managed to be quite entertaining. This is especially true when you compare this movie to another Dracula followup, SON OF Dracula. This film starred Lon Chaney, Jr. and wasn't nearly as good a film as DRACULA'S DAUGHTER. That's partially because Holden is really creepy as the Countess and stylistically, this is a well-made and fun film. Interestingly enough, I agree with the other comment that saw a sort of Lesbian undertone with the script. A truly interesting and unusual film!

"Dracula's Daughter" is a direct sequel to the 1931 film. The beginning picks up from where "Dracula" left off, with Van Helsing having destroyed the undead Vampire. Gloria Holden - totally obscure apart from this movie - is well cast in the title role. She exudes eroticism and an aura of mystery. I was pleased to discover that Edward Van Solan was cast again as Van Helsing - he gives a better performance this time around. Otto Kruger is a bit too gruff and cantankerous as the man who attempts to help his friend and old tutor, Van Helsing. The film sensibly sets the film in England as it helps with the overall continuity. James Whale was originally slated to direct "Dracula's Daughter" - a shame he didn't.

Did "Dracula" need a sequel? That's debatable, but "Dracula's Daughter" was worth seeing. Picking up where the original left off, Prof. Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan) is arrested for murdering Dracula. (Those ingrates! He gets rid of an evil force and this is how they repay him?!) Anyway, Countess Marya Zaleska (Gloria Holden) turns up and we learn that she is the Count's daughter. By which I mean that she inherited her father's taste for blood. And her assistant Sandor (Irving Pichel) keeps her addicted to being a vampire. One thing that I now have to wonder is whether or not they were implying that Marya might have been a lesbian, the way that she comes on to women. Obviously they couldn't talk openly about it back then, but you know...occasionally they look for ways to push the limits. Anyway, "Dracula's Daughter" is worth seeing if there's nothing else to do.