Episodes

  • Episode 15. Dracula (Part 2)
    Oct 21 2024

    Our coverage on Universal's Dracula continues with the release and post-release of the classic film. Learn of the advertising campaign and artists that brought the striking posters to life. Hear an actual interview with Lugosi from shortly after the release of the film. (Special thanks to David Stenn and the Packard Humanities Institute for its inclusion.) Dracula was a massive success, and Bela Lugosi would be Hollywood's new Thriller Picture star!

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    34 mins
  • Episode 14. Dracula (Part 1)
    Oct 14 2024

    One of the most famous and recognizable horror films of all time, Universal's Dracula (1931) ushered in the Golden Age of Horror. The first Talkie horror movie, Dracula changed the landscape of cinema. Bela Lugosi brought the undead, vampiric Count Dracula to life, cementing the role as a pop culture phenomenon. Learn about the behind-the-scenes history of the beloved film, including the casting process, scripting, production, and more! This is the one you've been waiting on!

    Episode art by Marina Dejanovic.

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    34 mins
  • Episode 13. Lugosi Before Dracula
    Oct 7 2024

    Bela Lugosi gained immortality with his role as Count Dracula in Universal's 1931 film. But what of the man before that role? Learn about his life from humble beginnings in Hungary to his journey to America and the 1927 Broadway production of Dracula that, ultimately led to his casting in the Universal film.

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    31 mins
  • Episode 12. Tod Browning: The Edgar Allen Poe of Cinema
    Sep 30 2024

    Tod Browning directed Universal's 1931 horror-talkie premiere: "Dracula", which he is best remembered for. But Browning created much more than just the first full-sound horror film. From his beginnings in the circus to his films with Lon Chaney, to the sound productions that polarized audiences... Browning was misunderstood at the time. Now, his rich body of work is warmly regarded for the unique, dark, and wildly imaginative voice that it has. Learn about the life and filmography of one of the greatest classic film directors of all time!

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    42 mins
  • Episode 11. 1930 & The Cat Creeps
    Sep 23 2024

    1930 marked a massive year for Universal Studios. With the Academy Award-winning release of its epic anti-war film "All Quiet on the Western Front", the Studio gained prestige and attention in the new age of Talkies. 1930 also saw the release of the sound remake of "The Cat and the Canary", entitled "The Cat Creeps". It's a lost film. Learn about the history of the film and the year that "Dracula" began production!

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    17 mins
  • Bonus Episode: Ian The Wolf Man
    Sep 9 2024

    Welcome to the very first bonus episode of The Monster Archives. Familiarize yourself with the creator and host of the show: Ian the Wolf Man. Learn of his lifelong journey as a Universal Monsters fan, ultimately leading to this podcast! Don't worry... his bark is worse than his bite.

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    37 mins
  • Episode 10. The Man Who Laughs
    Aug 19 2024

    Gwynplaine! The Laughing Man! Conrad Veidt gives the performance of a lifetime as the disfigured clown with a heart of gold alongside Mary Philbin as his beloved Dea. Directed by Paul Leni, "The Man Who Laughs" (1928) remains an iconic German Expressionist horror masterpiece that begs to be experienced. This episode covers the production of Universal's final Silent Era horror film and sets the stage for the 1930s and beyond!

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    20 mins
  • Episode 9. Conrad Veidt: The Man with the Wicked Eyes
    Aug 12 2024

    German actor Conrad Veidt brought many iconic roles to life. From the roots of the silent era in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari to Universal's The Man Who Laughs, through the 1940s in films such as Casablanca, learn about a monstrously unique performer that deserves infinitely more recognition.

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    23 mins