When you think of the monsters at Halloween, you’re likely thinking of the classic Universal monsters, from films released in the 30s. These films brought literary characters to life and left a lasting impression on our cultural memory of them. As you’re thinking of the classic Halloween characters and costumes for this year, consider learning more about where those characters came from and what they originally looked like.
‘Dracula’ (1931)
Bela Lugosi delivered an iconic performance of Bram Stoker’s vampire Count Dracula, overtaking the dominance that Nosferatu held on the vampire market at that time. The early 30s is known as the beginning of the post-silent film golden era of horror, and Dracula led to a fascination with the dark fantasy that even fuels alternative subcultures to this day.
A movie-accurate Dracula costume is about the late Victorian, blood-sucking vibe you’d expect. He wears that classic dark cape with fangs, and he’s all the sunken-in undead glory you expect. Don a white base, a nobility outfit, and a widow’s peak, and you’ll be good to go as the Count.
‘Frankenstein’ (1931)
Another film that began the golden era of horror was an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the novel that invented the science fiction genre. Calling the monster Frankenstein, as many know, is a misnomer: he is the creation of Dr Henry Frankenstein, referred to as The Monster or Frankenstein’s Monster.
He makes a wide departure from his novel counterpart in appearance, going from Frankenstein’s tall, goth son to a green atrocity. A costume is recognizable with a tall flat haircut, sickly appearance, and scars and bolts.
‘The Mummy’ (1932)
Many people may know the undead pharaoh Imhotep from the 1999 remake, which is sexier and scarier, but it all started with the 1932 version. In this one, Imhotep appears as a regular (very dusty) Egyptologist set forth to secretly perform the ritual to bring back his long-lost princess.
As far as costumes go, wrapping yourself in toilet paper would certainly be more recognizable as a mummy. More film-accurate, however, would be to dress as that dusty pharaoh. It may require more explaining, but your niche knowledge would certainly score you points with historical film buffs.
‘The Invisible Man’ (1933)
Claude Rains gave an excellent performance as the slowly maddening scientist after he figures out how to turn himself invisible. The character is somewhat less popular, as the most notable remake from recent years takes a much darker turn- adopting a core theme of domestic violence for the titular villain.
This costume may be one of the coolest from the list, toeing the line between unique and recognizable. He covers himself in bandages to cover his invisible affliction, making it an easy costume, then adds sunglasses and a smoking jacket to prevent it from being too ghoulish.
‘Werewolf of London’ (1935)
Werewolves are a horror staple, but it starts with this pre-Wolf Man character, a metropolitan iteration of a classic story. A werewolf is always a classic costume, but this classic iteration is even better.
This version of the werewolf was iconic special effects work, and would be a perfect costume for those wanting a challenge. His untamed sideburns, fuzzy forehead, and underbitten fangs make it immediately recognizable and iconic if you pull it off.
Regardless of whether they’re the right costumes for you, looking back at classic horror is always fun. Universal classics are especially fun, especially with the opening of their Dark Universe theme park, which celebrates the films and brings together long-time fans with those recently introduced.
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