DRACULA darkens October

[Sir Masksalot]

A year or two after Don Post's "Calendar" masks debuted in 1965,
Dracula vanished from the series.



I noticed its absence at our local magic shop which formerly stocked them all. Mystified, I
wondered why they'd stop carrying an important character like Dracula. Years were to
pass before I learned the reason.



Of original versions in private collections, precious few survive. Some of their owners
were active members here at The UMA >

   





I lucked into one myself forty years ago. It remains one of my prized possessions today >



When Post Studios set about re-launching their "Calendar" masks in the late 1990s,
there was concern that Dracula might have to stay ashore. Fortunately, Lugosi
Enterprises did grant legal clearance so Don Post put his crew to work readying
the character for active duty >

       

To ensure the Vesta never set sail without me, I have three copies.
Two are factory stock >

       

The third, custom painted >



There are several other DPS Vampire masks to feature this month. Start off here by
posting pics of your Bela Draculas. I don't expect anyone to swoop in on batwings
with a '60s original ...

          

... but if you have a well-finished reissue to show, you'll have me entranced for sure!

[Spinal Remains]

Happy October! my favorite time of year that custom one you have is sweet

the main Lugosi stuff i have is a bust by Black Heart, the TOTS mask & the DP re-issue :

[GeorgeHere]

I doubt we shall ever see a Dracula mask as fantastic as the original Don Post Calendar mask and the 90s re-issued version!  So far as the TOTS Bela,  and I Love TOTS,  and not saying it is bad---but somewhat weak someway---I would like to see  it worked on by someone to enhance any hidden potential it has by that plainness goes.   But those Don Post Dracula mask Rule!

[Dr.Terror]

Great stuff.

[Dr.Terror]

[Dr.Terror]

From the old Haunted House nite club.

[Sir Masksalot]

From the old Haunted House nite club

Oh, I should've thought to include those: "celebrity Dracula masks".

This one was seen in repose at Movieland Wax Museum in the 1960s >



'The "Calendar" Dracula mask on stage at Don Con, 2015 >

     

[FRANKENSTEIN455]

Thanks Sir Masksalot for the always informative and interesting posts.  The photographs of this classic mask are so cool looking.  This Don Post Lugosi Dracula mask has always been a legend.  I cannot even imagine how rare the original copies of this mask must be.  He was long gone when I began collecting in the 1970's.

I was fortunate to acquire a foamed master mold copy of the reissue era Lugosi Dracula.  He is one of my favorites today. He was beautifully finished by the great Rob Tharp. I wanted the glow finish to duplicate the old “Aurora” Monster model Dracula. Thanks for checking out my photos -


 

 

[Doh!]

That's a terrific copy, Frank! Great idea to have it glow.