The Vampire Timeline 1900-1950
1922
- In 1922, the German Expressionist film Nosferatu was released, quickly gaining recognition as a classic of the horror genre. The film, which is an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula, tells the story of a real estate agent named Hutter who is sent to Transylvania to sell a property to the reclusive Count Orlok. As Hutter becomes increasingly uneasy about his dealings with Orlok, he realizes that the Count is actually a vampire, and he must race to save his wife from Orlok's clutches. Featuring striking visuals and a creepy atmosphere, Nosferatu remains a beloved and influential work of horror cinema.
1924
- Fritz Haarmann, also known as the "Vampire of Hanover", made headlines in the early 1900s when he was arrested and charged with the murder of over 20 people. His gruesome crimes, which involved biting his victims and drinking their blood, shocked the nation and earned him the reputation as a real-life vampire. Haarmann was eventually tried and convicted, bringing an end to his reign of terror.
1931
- In 1931, the film Dracula was released, starring Bela Lugosi as the titular character. Based on Bram Stoker's 1897 novel of the same name, the film tells the story of the charismatic and mysterious Count Dracula, who arrives in England and begins to wreak havoc upon the populace. As a small group of heroes attempts to stop Dracula and save the day, they must confront their own fears and prejudices in order to overcome the powerful vampire. With its iconic performance by Bela Lugosi and its chilling atmosphere, Dracula has become a beloved classic of horror cinema.
1936
- 1936 saw the release of a highly anticipated film: Dracula's Daughter. This was the first sequel to the original Dracula movie and starred Gloria Holden in the title role. The film follows the story of Countess Marya Zaleska, the daughter of Count Dracula, as she struggles with her own dark desires and attempts to rid herself of her vampire curse. Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, the film has since become a cult classic and remains a beloved addition to the vampire genre.
1943
1943 saw the release of Son of Dracula, a horror film that starred Lon Chaney, Jr. as the titular character. This film marked the first time that Chaney, Jr. took on the role of Dracula, and he would go on to portray the character in several more films throughout his career. Son of Dracula was released to mixed reviews, but it has since gained a cult following for its campy, over-the-top portrayal of the iconic vampire.