Lugosi , Bela : 4 x theatre program(me)s from 1933, 1944, 1945 and 1951 – DRACULA (1876)

$150.00

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BELA  LUGOSI (1882-1956) : 4 theatre program(me)s from 1933, 1944, 1945 and 1951.

Bela Lugosi  appeared in Dracula (1931), Son of Frankenstein (1939) and in many other horror movies.

1) Earl Carroll’s Murder at the Vanities (1933 – New Amsterdam Theatre in New York) – a ‘dramatic mystery comedy’, in which Bela appeared as Siebenkase.      The 34-page program measures 7″ x 9,5″ and is in fine condition.

2) Arsenic and Old Lace (1944 – Colonial Theatre in Boston). In this famous play by Joseph Kesselring Bela appeared as Jonathan Brewster, a role that was originated by Boris Karloff in the early 1940s.                                                                                                                                                                                                              This 1-page broadside measures 5,5″ x 8,5″ and is in very good condition (some creases, very small tear).

3) No traveler returns (1945 – Metropolitan Theatre in Seattle). This play by Richard Goddard tells the ‘story of a Strange Obsession’ and Bela plays Bharat Singh, ‘a Hindu servant’. The play opened on March 13th 1945 and due to poor notices and weak ticket-sales the Seattle engagement was shortened to six performances only and the planned Chicago engagement was cancelled altogether …                                                                                                                                                                 This 4 page program measures 6″ x 8,5″ and is in very good condition (some discoloration).

4) DRACULA (1951 – Empire Theatre in Chatham, UK). The famous novel by Bram Stoker, adapted for the stage by Hamilton Deane and John Balderston.           In 1951, near the end of his life, Lugosi spent eight months in Britain, unsuccesfully attempting one last comeback. Read more about this fascinating final tour in the excellent “Vampire over London – Bela Lugosi in Britain” by Frank J. Dello Stritto and Andi Brooks, Los Angeles / Houston, 2000.                                            This 8-page programme measures c. 5″ x 7″ and is in fine condition.