LA Opera resurrects 1931 Spanish ‘Dracula’ with a fresh, haunting score

The LA Opera is stirring excitement just in time for Halloween, with an unforgettable event for both film and music enthusiasts. This October, the rarely seen 1931 Spanish-language Dracula will be screened, accompanied by a newly commissioned score from two-time Oscar-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla.

A hauntingly live experience

For those unfamiliar, this cinematic masterpiece will be brought to life by the LA Opera Orchestra under the baton of the talented Lina González-Granados. Argentine-born Santaolalla, renowned for his innovative compositions, will also take the stage, playing the electric guitar—a departure from his signature instrument, the ronroco.

The screenings are slated for October 25, 26, and 27 at the Gothic United Theater, a 1,600-seat venue that first opened its doors in 1927. Attendees can expect English subtitles and are encouraged to embrace the spooky spirit by coming in costume.

Reimagining Dracula

The origins of the Spanish-language version

Back when silent films transitioned to ‘talkies,’ studios faced the challenge of language barriers. Universal Studios took an innovative approach for their Spanish-language Dracula by filming at night on the same sets used for the English version starring Bela Lugosi. This version, directed by George Melford, had its own unique cast and crew, bringing a distinctive flavor to the classic tale.

Santaolalla discovered this cinematic gem during his tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of his album Ronroco. Upon viewing the film, his immediate reaction was one of enthusiasm: “I knew right away I wanted to be a part of this. Combining traditional horror music with modern sounds was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Enhancing the eerie ambiance

Santaolalla isn’t undertaking this task alone. He’ll be joined by remarkable guest artists including Javier Casalla on the Stroh violin, Michael Ward-Bergeman on the accordion, and Foley artist Joanna Fang. Santaolalla humorously noted Fang’s fitting last name for the project, adding, “This gives us a lot of room to create immersive soundscapes.”

The composition will leverage the natural silences within the film, crafting emotive and dynamic auditory experiences. Santaolalla aims to balance the horror elements with romantic undertones, a testament to his versatility as a composer.

The cast and their contributions

Character portrayals

The Spanish-language version of Dracula features Carlos Villarías as Conde Drácula, Lupita Tovar as Eva Steward, and Pablo Álvarez Rubio whose performance as Renfield has been acclaimed as “unbelievable” by Santaolalla.

Unique directorial vision

Melford’s interpretation, at 104 minutes, provides a more comprehensive narrative than the Browning’s version. He added depth with expanded dialogue, rearranged scenes, and even included moodier shots and risqué costumes, making some consider it superior to its English counterpart.

Tovar, who lived an impressive 106 years, shared her haunting experiences on set in a 2011 book. Working nocturnally brought real-life fear into her performances, adding authentic tension to the film’s eerie atmosphere.

Rediscovery and restoration

After its initial release, this Spanish adaptation faded into obscurity, with the only surviving print missing its crucial third reel. However, a deteriorated print discovered in Havana in 1989 led to a restoration that once again made the complete film available by 1992.

Santaolalla finds parallels between this project and his past ventures, such as scoring The Last of Us video game in 2013, which earned him an Emmy nomination. His constant quest to expand his artistic horizons is evident, and this endeavor with Dracula is another step in that journey.

A celebration of the macabre

This Halloween, the LA Opera is not just offering a screening but an immersive experience that bridges the old and the new. With a live orchestra, breathtaking Gothic ambiance, English subtitles, and audience costumes, this event is an unparalleled celebration of classic horror re-imagined.

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