Watch "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" - Combined 80th Anniversary Expert Panel Discussion

On February 12, 2021, horror movie enthusiasts around the world tuned in to the 80th anniversary expert panel discussion for two of the most iconic horror films of all time - "Dracula" and "Frankenstein". Hosted by Sara Karloff, daughter of legendary horror actor Boris Karloff, and actor Dan Roebuck, the event celebrated the lasting impact these films have had on cinema and pop culture.

The discussion began with a brief history of the production and release of both films. "Dracula", released in 1931 and directed by Tod Browning, starred Bela Lugosi in the title role and was based on the 1924 stage play "Dracula" by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston. "Frankenstein", released in the same year and directed by James Whale, starred Boris Karloff as the monster and was based on the 1818 novel of the same name by Mary Shelley. Both films were made on a relatively low budget and became unexpected box office hits.

Panelists discussed the lasting impact both films have had on the horror genre, with many citing their influence on subsequent vampire and monster movies. They also talked about the technical aspects of the films, such as the iconic makeup and costumes used to create the monster in "Frankenstein" and the innovative use of lighting in "Dracula". The panelists also touched on the controversy surrounding the films at the time of their release, with some critics decrying them as too violent or sensationalistic.

Throughout the discussion, both Karloff and Roebuck provided personal anecdotes and insights into their own experiences with the films. Karloff shared memories of her father's work on "Frankenstein" and the lasting impact the film had on his career. Roebuck, a self-proclaimed horror movie fanatic, spoke about his own love for these classic films and how they continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers and horror fans.

One topic that came up frequently was the enduring popularity of these films among modern audiences. Panelists discussed the various remakes, parodies, and homages that have been made to both "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" over the years, from Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" to Francis Ford Coppola's "Bram Stoker's Dracula". They also touched on the impact these films have had on popular culture outside of cinema, with characters like Dracula and Frankenstein's monster becoming fixtures in comic books, cartoons, and Halloween costumes.

Overall, the 80th anniversary expert panel discussion for "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" was a fitting tribute to two of the most enduring horror films of all time. Hosts Karloff and Roebuck brought their own unique perspectives to the table, while expert panelists provided valuable insights into the films' production history, technical achievements, and lasting legacy. For horror movie fans, this was a can't-miss event that paid homage to two truly iconic films.