One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
***Spoilers Ahead!***
130. Dracula (1931) Directed by Tod Browning
The Movie: Renfield (Dwight Frye) is on his way to Count Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania. He is a solicitor who requires the Count’s signature on a lease for a property on England, Carfax Abbey. Before he arrives at the Count’s castle he is warned by the villagers that a vampire lives there and not to go. Renfield ignores these warnings and proceeds to the Castle. On his voyage there, Renfield sticks his head out of the carriage to tell the driver to slow down, the driver is gone and the horses are being lead by a bat!
Renfield meets the charming Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) and they discuss his lease over dinner. Dracula tells Renfield that he intends to travel to Carfax Abbey the next day. Renfield is soon under Dracula’s spell through hypnosis, and when Dracula’s Brides appear, he orders them away and attacks Renfield.
Renfield (and Dracula in a coffin) travel by the schooner Vesta to England. On the voyage there, Dracula feeds on the crew, killing them all. When the ship arrives at England, Renfield is the only survivor who is now a lunatic under Dracula’s control. Renfield is taken to a Sanatorium run by Dr. Seward (Herbert Bunston), that just so happens to be adjoining to Carfax Abbey.
Later at a London theatre, Dracula meets Seward, his daughter Mina (Helen Chandler), her fiancé John Harker (David Manners) and her friend Lucy (Frances Dade). Lucy is smitten with Dracula. Dracula enters Lucy’s room later that night and drains her blood. Lucy is seen by doctors the next day as she appears to be quite ill. Lucy perishes despite the fact she was given multiple blood transfusions.
Renfield, meanwhile is eating bugs and insects at the sanatorium, which gets the attention of Professor Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan), who after analyzing his blood talks to Renfield about vampires. Renfield pleads with Seward to send him away. Renfield is soon called by Dracula through a wolf howl, which is interrupted by Van Helsing showing him wolfsbane, which he claims will protect him from vampires.
Dracula next sets his sights on Mina and bites her that night. Later that evening, Dracula stops by to visit Van Helsing and John. They notice the Count does not have a reflection. Van Helsing informs Dracula that he does not have a reflection and Dracula smashes the mirror and flees. Van Helsing is certain that Dracula is the vampire responsible for the attacks and deduces something must be done.
Mina leaves her room for the garden, where Dracula strikes. Mina is rescued by the maid. Mina, although weak the following morning reads stories in the newspapers about a woman in white, luring children out at night and biting them. Mina recognizes the woman as Lucy. Harker pleads with Van Helsing to let him take Mina to London, but Van Helsing orders Mina to stay under the watch of a nurse and with wolfsbane around her neck.
Dracula returns to the Seward home and confronts Van Helsing. Dracula informs him that Mina is now his and warns Van Helsing to leave. Van Helsing refuses and Dracula attempts to hypnotize him to no avail. Dracula lunges at Van Helsing, who brandishes a crucifix, forcing Dracula to retreat.
John visits Mina on her terrace when a bat appears and “talks” to Mina. Mina attacks John, but Van Helsing and Seward save him. Mina confesses her love for Dracula and tells John their love is over.
Later that night, Dracula hypnotizes the nurse caring for Mina and has her remove the wolfsbane from around her neck. Dracula takes Mina to Carfax Abbey where John and Van Helsing see Renfield running to the Count as well. Thinking that Renfield has betrayed him, Dracula kills him. Van Helsing and John wait until morning to hunt Dracula as they know he must return to his coffin during daylight. Van Helsing finds Dracula’s coffin, impales him with a stake through the heart, killing him and restoring Mina to normal.
Why I Love Dracula (1931): Although it might seem stiff to modern audiences, Dracula is one of the best gothic horror films of all time. The mood and atmosphere alone make the film a winner.
Bela Lugosi not only embodies who Dracula is, his performance would shape every interpretation of the Count going forward. In the film, he is suave as he is dangerous. Special mention to Dwight Frye as Renfield, he plays a lunatic with great enthusiasm.
And don’t let the over 90 years old deter you from the film, some of the staging is a little stiff, but Browning does move his camera when needed giving the film a nice foreboding vibe of impending doom. The film also sports some iconic dialogue, none more so than “Children of the night. What music they make.” My personal favorite is “There are far worse things awaiting man than death.”
With an all time iconic performance, brilliant set design and cinematography, Dracula has earned its rightful title as one of Hollywood’s best horror films.