Movie review – “Mondo Lugosi” (1986) **

Interesting collection of tidbits regarding Bela Lugosi. The trailers for some of his key films are a bit ho hum in these days of DVD extras, but it also includes two interviews with Bela (both which often pop up on Lugosi docos): one from the 1930s with Lugosi looking handsome and dashing, one from the 1950s with Lugosi looking weathered and drug ravaged, trying to look upbeat returning from a disastrous trip to England. There’s an extract from Glen or Glenda, Lugosi’s appearance on Hollywood on Parade, and – most interestingly of all – his guest shot playing a vampire on You Asked For It, an old 50s television show. It’s very lame but fascinating, with Bela showing himself to be a trooper all the way. On You Asked For It he talks about a TV series Dr Acula – but the host seems more interested in the starlet who is fresh off the 3D epic Second Chance.