Renfield Rules: Dwight Frye Steals 'Dracula' From Bela Lugosi

The Crazed Fly Eater Needed His Own Movie

“Listen to them… children of the night… what sweet music they make.” Count Dracula

Dracula may not have any children, that we’re certain of, but he desperately needs his slavish minions. These loyal dependents are vital to the success of any marauding nosferatu. Afterall, a seductive, ancient vampire - no matter how powerful by himself - can’t rule the world of the living all alone. The noble, undead Count makes it his dark mission to ensnare as many into his bloodletting web. This demonic, yet somehow sexy character seduces both women and men into his irresistible sphere of supernatural influence.

Over and over, across swirling oceans of time, the one servant he calls upon most in all of Bram Stoker’s many filmed versions is that of that wild eye insect connoisseur - Renfield.

Would you hire him?

Played by many competent actors over the decades, the first performer to flesh him out remains the most oddly compelling. In 1931, Dwight Frye wasn’t the reason audiences flocked to see headliner Bela Lugosi as the Transylvanian bloodsucker, but after finally seeing the now classic film, few were left unfazed by his electrifying performance.

Renfield’s Laugh Makes The Joker Proud

Here’s one of the most memorable moments from the classic Universal horror film. Renfield’s chilling laugh will haunt your nightmares for all time. The skin crawling timbre of Frye’s delivery is none like you’ve ever heard before or likely will hear again - thankfully. This skilled actor does more with his voice and body language than most any FX designer or make-up artist can with a bucketful of practical props.

Later, our paralysing laugher has a run in with a horrified domestic. This housekeeper, after being assaulted with Renfield’s penetrating gaze and crazy laughter crumples to the floor like a bag of boiled potatoes. As the scene fades out, Dracula’s loyal manservant crawls along the floor like a predatory animal to inspect her. It’s both crazily hilarious and chilling all at the same unsettling time.

Dwight Frye gave creepy flesh to yet another classic Universal horror movie character - Dr. Frankenstein’s assistant, the sadistic Fritz, in Frankenstein, also released in 1931. Fritz suffered in his life as a hunchback, so perhaps it’s reason why he ended up torturing his employer’s fantastic creation - the Monster. Frye reprised his memorable Fritz in the sequel, The Bride of Frankenstein released in 1935, and directed by visionary James Whale.

You’ve probably watched Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi, more than a few times. Maybe you’re like me and have thoroughly enjoyed the movie dozens of times. Perhaps you’ve even watched it recently. However, if you haven’t seen in awhile, if it’s new to you or even if you’re an old pro at the film, treat yourself to yet another viewing. Pay careful attention to just how Dwight Frye employs the inimitable Renfield dynamic to steal nearly every scene, and often, he comes across as far scarier than even his master, the dread Transylvanian Count.