Vampire Season

It's vampire season and I could not be happier. Especially with my newest find - the 2004 Legacy Collection dvd with FIVE vintage vampire films, including the until now elusive Spanish Dracula. They make it easy to compare the original Lugosi version with the Carlos Villarias (I call him Mr. Smiles - you'll see) and I must say that Lupita Tovar steals the show as Eva (Mina). Even if you don't go bats during October like I do, this is still something to rent for film history reasons. The great surprise is that the Spanish Dracula actually lives up to the legend. The acting is excellent. I recommend.

Here's the weird thing about the Dracula story that I have always suspected - Van Helsing is the same guy in every screen and stage version of this story. He always looks exactly the same, and I now believe it is the same 'actor' playing every role over the years. The only logical conclusion is that the 'actor' playing Van Helsing is actually a real vampire. Why the charade? To keep us from suspecting him! Except for Anthony Hopkins in Coppola's version because he's a zombie. Hugh Jackman doesn't count either because it ruins my theory. Otherwise I'm sure I'm right.

For the Horror fans out there - be on the lookout for the asian triptych "Three... Extremes." The 2004 Hong Kong/Japan/S.Korea production is getting American release. Grrrrr scary.