Customer Reviews

Lugosi: The Man Behind the Cape

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Lugosi: The Man Behind the Cape was authorized by his son Bela Jr. One might expect more under those circumstances. Unfortunately, there isn't an awful lot of personal information or new insight. Most of Lugosi's effects were with his last wife, Hope. We do get more access to previous wife Lillian and her perspective, since she was Bela Jr's mother. The best part of the book is the opening chapter about Lugosi's admission to the hospital for drug rehab. The rest of the book never quite lives up to this beginning, however. If you want a definitive, well researched book on the subject, obtain Arthur Lennig's book: The Immortal Count. Howard Roller

This book on Bela is now almost 35 years old but that is to its benifit. Writen while many of Bela's family and friends were still alive, you feel closer to the man then you do in other biographies. I really like the way they handled the drug issue. While noting its serverty Cremer never looks down on Bela for his excesses. Biographers of Elvis Presley should be so kind and non-judgemental. I digress..this is a fine book and really a good read even for those who only have a casual interest in the man. For me as an Ed Wood fan this book is great. Not only does it not disrespect his work, but it also has a lengthy exlusive interview with him! Really you learn a lot more about Wood through his own words then you do through the somewhat strange way he's been portrayed since his death. Recomended.