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Title: Dracula in the Deep South
Review: "Son of Dracula" (1943) has everything going for it, except the presence of Bela Lugosi. Instead, Universal Studios rejected the horror icon in favor of Lon Chaney Jr. - a major blunder that seriously damages a potentially fine film. Except for the Wolf Man, Chaney's limited talents were evident in his ineffectual portrayals of the Mummy and Frankenstein's monster. As Count Alucard/Dracula, Chaney lacks the charismatic evil and strong presence that Lugosi brought to the role. Director Robert Siodmak has created a moody, atmospheric chiller set in the Deep South, yet his admirable efforts are all but ruined by Chaney's miscasting. It's a shame, because "Son of Dracula" was intended to be a cut above most of Universal's horror programmers. Nevertheless, the film is worth a look for its effective supporting cast and production design.
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