Dracula in popular culture Balderston (see below); it starred Bela Lugosi as Dracula and Edward Van Sloan as Van Helsing, both of whom had originated their respective roles on the stage in the aforementioned play, along with Helen Chandler as Mina and Dwight Frye as Renfield. Directed by Tod Browning, it is one of the most famous versions of the story and is widely credited with initiating the Universal horror film series of the 1930s and ‘40s. The 1931 Dracula film was an inductee of the 2000 National Film Registry list. The films had music only during the opening (the famous main theme from
John Abbey (actor) film "Play Time". John Abbey (actor) John Abbey (born June 21, 1935) is an American born actor best known for portraying the title role in the French film "Mr. Freedom", directed by fellow American expatriate William Klein. Born in Denver, Colorado in 1935, Abbey appeared in a few uncredited roles in American and English films before coming to France, where he played American characters in film and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He has since retired from acting. He spoke fluent French as well. In addition to "Mr. Freedom", Abbey is known for his supporting role as "Lacs" in