Bela Lugosi's Dead
by Robert Guffey
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Pub Date Apr 06 2021 | Archive Date Jan 31 2021
Crossroad Press | Macabre Ink
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Description
It’s the late 1980s, and Michael Fenton, editor of Ramboona (a magazine dedicated to forgotten films), is attempting to track down the lost test footage from the 1931 Frankenstein produced by Universal Studios. It’s the holy grail of horror film aficionados: the twenty-minute reel in which Bela Lugosi portrays Frankenstein’s Monster instead of Boris Karloff, who would go on to make cinematic history with his portrayal of Mary Shelley’s creation. In his attempt to locate this fifty-year-old film canister, Mike is led down a labyrinth of blind alleys amidst the topsy-turvy wonderland of Los Angeles and environs.
When we first encounter Mike, he’s making a pilgrimage to Lugosi’s final resting place at Holy Cross Cemetery. This is where he meets Lucy Szilagyi, a struggling young actress who happens to be visiting Sharon Tate’s grave (located only a few tombstones away from Lugosi’s). Lucy, a film buff herself, joins Mike in his quixotic search, helping him track down such curious, real-life characters as Maila Nurmi (an out-of-work actress known more famously as “Vampira”), Bela Lugosi, Jr., science fiction novelist Curt Siodmak, and Manly P. Hall (master hypnotist, mystic, Lugosi confidant, and author of a strange occult encyclopedia entitled The Secret Teachings of All Ages). All of these individuals have valuable pieces of information that could lead Mike to the hidden location of the lost test reel. Lugosi’s grave is also where Mike encounters a mysterious old man who promises him the footage he so desperately desires. But the man offers the item only at a most unusual price….
Bela Lugosi’s Dead is one-third detective story, one-third Hollywood ghost story, and one-third pulp adventure tale….
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781952979538 |
| PRICE | $17.99 (USD) |
Links
Featured Reviews
Jan T, Reviewer
I was hoping for some snarks and satire. Just because I wasn't into it doesn't mean that it isn't a good read. See for yourself!
I requested and received a free very temporary ebook copy from Crossroad Press/Macabre Ink via NetGalley.
Ben L, Librarian
A tragic love letter to the monsters, Bella Lugosi in particular, and late coming-of-age story with a twist. What starts as two separate narratives (a compelling story about a down on his luck would-be screen writer, and an epic "unmade" sequel to "House of Dracula" & "House of Frankenstein" that would swell the black heart of any monster kid) merges into one exhilarating and poignant tale about the borders between loves and obsessions. Clearly a lot of research went into this book, and classic film history and accurate tone and style adds incredible depth to the excellent characterization and plotting. Fascinating must-read for classic horror fans.
Kent P, Educator
This is an unusual book in that it is really two stories one about a man who is writing a screenplay and becomes inspired by a woman he meets at the cemetery to find the lost Bella footage. Although she knows him not she reads his screenplay and works to help him get it finished and made into a movie. Along the way, he meets an incredible cast of characters including Bella Lugosi Jr. The other story is a gothic classic story that Bella would have been proud to star in.
There is some confusion with the shuffle between the stories but all in all it's a unique format and a good read.
Librarian 431790
A fascinating read if you love old horror movies.
It's well researched and engrossing, I liked the plot and the character development.
I hope to read other book by this author, this one is recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
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