I mean, just look how creepy this bastard is, and the fact that the film is silent and in black and white makes it even more eerie. Like I said, the film stars Max Schreck as Count Orlok, a vampire who preys on the wife (Greta Schröder) of his estate agent (Gustav von Wangenheim) and brings the plague to their town, which explains the black rats in the posters, rats were believed to have been responsible for the "Black Death" or bubonic plague in Europe in the middle ages. The Black Death (1346–1353) is estimated to have killed between 30% and 60% of Europe’s population, with roughly 25 to 50 million deaths. It is widely considered one of the deadliest pandemics in recorded human history, resulting in a severe labor shortage and transforming European society, with some regions losing up to two-thirds of their population. Recent studies suggest the plague spread too rapidly for rodent transmission, pointing instead to human fleas and lice on clothing as the main culprits. Rats and their fleas were involved in later outbreaks, but probably not the main cause of the initial pandemic.
Ok, let's take a look at some of my favorite classic horror movie monsters and then I'll wrap it up and get back to boxing. I didn't mean to get carried away like this, guess it's my OCD. Ok, Lon Chaney here as the Wolf Man.
Bela Lugosi as Dracula. Interestingly, Bela Lugosi did not wear fangs in the 1931 film Dracula. His portrayal relied on intense acting, lighting, and cape work to convey menace, rather than prosthetic fangs, which did not become standard in vampire cinema until Christopher Lee's version in 1958. This is an epic shot, holding the candlestick with the cobwebs in the background, a sinister grin on his face. He just looks absolutely menacing.
Bela Lugosi really set the standard for the role of Count Dracula, nobody that has played Count Dracula since this film was released in 1931 has come close to Bela Lugosi, he's untouchable, he is the measuring stick. He just had the perfect face for the role, the slicked back hair, the guy was born to play Dracula.
Speaking of setting the standard, Boris Karloff delivers a haunting, hypnotic performance as Im-ho-tep in The Mummy (1932). With piercing eyes and eerie stillness, he transforms from an ancient corpse into the menacing Ardeth Bey. His presence, enhanced by Jack Pierce’s legendary makeup, cements him as one of horror’s most iconic and chilling figures.
In 1921, a scientist brings Im-Ho-Tep (Boris Karloff) back to life. He then sets out to find his long-dead lover. However, it is not Anck-Es-En-Amon he summons, but her reincarnation Helen (Zita Johann).
I have to say, as far as horror movies are concerned, it just doesn't get any better than Boris Karloff. The guy had a way about him, he was creepy as hell, deadpan eyes, he could give you a look that would make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
The thick-soled boots The Monster wears are known as "hot asphalt boots." They were used by men who had to work with hot asphalt on roads. The soles are specially designed to resist heat. Boris Karloff who stood approximately 5'11" to 6'0", appeared much taller as Frankenstein's monster due to the heavy boots and costume design, bringing his on-screen height to roughly 6'4" to 6'6". While the creature in Mary Shelley's novel is described as 8 feet tall, Karloff's iconic 1931 portrayal relied on these enhancements for a towering, yet not monstrously oversized, appearance. Good shot here of the boots.
Here is a great shot of the boots, they were a modified pair of knee-high "asphalt spreader" boots with the soles greatly enlarged. Each boot is said to have weighed 13lbs.
One of the most famous scenes in horror movie history. The Monster accidentally drowns a little girl named Maria while playing a game, mistaking her for a flower that floats. The scene highlights the creature’s childlike innocence, lack of social understanding, and profound tragedy, showing his capacity for accidental evil despite not being inherently malicious.
Awesome images from the final scene of the film, Henry is thrown from the roof to the blades of the windmill. The mob carries him off while simultaneously setting the windmill on fire. The creature is trapped beneath a falling beam as the windmill is engulfed.
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French magazine ad. Just look at how freakin' creepy Count Orlok is.
French film art guide.
1925 French magazine ad.
I mean, just look how creepy this bastard is, and the fact that the film is silent and in black and white makes it even more eerie. Like I said, the film stars Max Schreck as Count Orlok, a vampire who preys on the wife (Greta Schröder) of his estate agent (Gustav von Wangenheim) and brings the plague to their town, which explains the black rats in the posters, rats were believed to have been responsible for the "Black Death" or bubonic plague in Europe in the middle ages. The Black Death (1346–1353) is estimated to have killed between 30% and 60% of Europe’s population, with roughly 25 to 50 million deaths. It is widely considered one of the deadliest pandemics in recorded human history, resulting in a severe labor shortage and transforming European society, with some regions losing up to two-thirds of their population. Recent studies suggest the plague spread too rapidly for rodent transmission, pointing instead to human fleas and lice on clothing as the main culprits. Rats and their fleas were involved in later outbreaks, but probably not the main cause of the initial pandemic.
This, look at this shot, just wow, talk about the stuff of nightmares. Count Orlok ladies and gentlemen, up close and personal.
A view of Nosferatu from below, look at his fingers.
The shadow of Nosferatu.
This is actually my favorite poster for the film, with the people getting the hell out of dodge.
Ok, let's take a look at some of my favorite classic horror movie monsters and then I'll wrap it up and get back to boxing. I didn't mean to get carried away like this, guess it's my OCD. Ok, Lon Chaney here as the Wolf Man.
Love this shot, in the darkness.
Great image in the foggy woods.
Bela Lugosi as Dracula. Interestingly, Bela Lugosi did not wear fangs in the 1931 film Dracula. His portrayal relied on intense acting, lighting, and cape work to convey menace, rather than prosthetic fangs, which did not become standard in vampire cinema until Christopher Lee's version in 1958. This is an epic shot, holding the candlestick with the cobwebs in the background, a sinister grin on his face. He just looks absolutely menacing.
Another epic shot.
Notice the lack of fangs.
Reaction to the sunlight.
The grin of a snake.
The cape.
Bela Lugosi really set the standard for the role of Count Dracula, nobody that has played Count Dracula since this film was released in 1931 has come close to Bela Lugosi, he's untouchable, he is the measuring stick. He just had the perfect face for the role, the slicked back hair, the guy was born to play Dracula.
Speaking of setting the standard, Boris Karloff delivers a haunting, hypnotic performance as Im-ho-tep in The Mummy (1932). With piercing eyes and eerie stillness, he transforms from an ancient corpse into the menacing Ardeth Bey. His presence, enhanced by Jack Pierce’s legendary makeup, cements him as one of horror’s most iconic and chilling figures.
Epic shots.
Wicked shot of the Mummy opening his eyes.
In 1921, a scientist brings Im-Ho-Tep (Boris Karloff) back to life. He then sets out to find his long-dead lover. However, it is not Anck-Es-En-Amon he summons, but her reincarnation Helen (Zita Johann).
Im-Ho-Tep with Helen.
I have to say, as far as horror movies are concerned, it just doesn't get any better than Boris Karloff. The guy had a way about him, he was creepy as hell, deadpan eyes, he could give you a look that would make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
Boris Karloff as Dr. Frankenstein's creation. Many people consider Frankenstein (1931) to be the greatest horror movie ever made.
The thick-soled boots The Monster wears are known as "hot asphalt boots." They were used by men who had to work with hot asphalt on roads. The soles are specially designed to resist heat. Boris Karloff who stood approximately 5'11" to 6'0", appeared much taller as Frankenstein's monster due to the heavy boots and costume design, bringing his on-screen height to roughly 6'4" to 6'6". While the creature in Mary Shelley's novel is described as 8 feet tall, Karloff's iconic 1931 portrayal relied on these enhancements for a towering, yet not monstrously oversized, appearance. Good shot here of the boots.
Here is a great shot of the boots, they were a modified pair of knee-high "asphalt spreader" boots with the soles greatly enlarged. Each boot is said to have weighed 13lbs.
Iconic photos, the famous "It's Alive!" scene.
Wicked image of Frankenstein's monster chained.
One of the most famous scenes in horror movie history. The Monster accidentally drowns a little girl named Maria while playing a game, mistaking her for a flower that floats. The scene highlights the creature’s childlike innocence, lack of social understanding, and profound tragedy, showing his capacity for accidental evil despite not being inherently malicious.
A photo of the machine that brought the monster to life.
Awesome images from the final scene of the film, Henry is thrown from the roof to the blades of the windmill. The mob carries him off while simultaneously setting the windmill on fire. The creature is trapped beneath a falling beam as the windmill is engulfed.
Epic image of the creature with the bolts protruding from his neck.
Dr. Henry Frankenstein, mad scientist, brilliantly played by Colin Clive in "Frankenstein" (1931) and "The Bride Of Frankenstein" (1935).