Count Mora is a central character in the 1935 horror film "Mark of the Vampire," directed by Tod Browning. Count Mora is a vampire who, along with his daughter Luna, is suspected of being involved in mysterious deaths in a small European village.
The film is a loose remake of Browning's earlier silent film "London After Midnight" (1927). In "Mark of the Vampire," Count Mora is portrayed by the actor Bela Lugosi, better known for his iconic role as Count Dracula. Often times people mistake images and clips of Lugosi as Mora for that of him as Dracula. While they share some similarities due to Lugosi's portrayal and the vampire archetype, there are significant differences between the two characters.
History[]
"Mark of the Vampire" is set in a small village where a nobleman, Sir Karell Borotyn, is found dead with mysterious puncture wounds on his neck, leading to suspicions of a vampire attack. The villagers and local authorities begin to suspect that Count Mora and his daughter Luna, both of whom are believed to be vampires, are responsible for the death and other strange occurrences.
The film builds an atmosphere of gothic horror, complete with eerie settings and classic vampire imagery. As the investigation unfolds, Professor Zelen (played by Lionel Barrymore), an expert on the supernatural, is brought in to help solve the mystery. The film keeps the audience on edge with its suspenseful plot and dark, foreboding atmosphere.
Twist Ending[]
One of the notable aspects of "Mark of the Vampire" is its twist ending. The film ultimately reveals that the vampire aspect is a ruse orchestrated to expose the real murderer. Count Mora and Luna are part of an elaborate scheme to trick the true culprit into revealing themselves. This twist adds a layer of complexity and differentiates it from typical vampire tales.
Bela Lugosi’s portrayal of Count Mora is significant in the context of his career and the horror genre. Following his success as Dracula in 1931, Lugosi's performance as Count Mora reinforced his association with vampire characters and gothic horror. His presence in "Mark of the Vampire" added star power and a sense of authenticity to the film, given his established reputation as cinema’s foremost vampire.
Gallery[]
Notable Differences from Dracula[]
With the film being mostly forgotten over time while many still remain, many have made the mistake of seeing Lugosi as Mora and believed them to be that of Count Dracula. While they share some similarities due to Lugosi's portrayal and the vampire archetype, there are significant differences between the two characters. Dracula is the archetypal vampire villain with a rich backstory and clear supernatural abilities, while Mora is a red herring used to mislead characters and viewers within a murder mystery.
Character Origins and Background[]
Count Dracula[]
- Source Material: Count Dracula is based on the character from Bram Stoker's 1897 novel "Dracula."
- Character Background: Dracula is a centuries-old vampire and Transylvanian nobleman who travels to England to spread the undead curse and find new blood. He has a well-established backstory as a powerful and malevolent vampire.
- Motivation: His primary motivation is to extend his influence, find new victims, and possibly establish a new home in England.
Count Mora[]
- Film: "Mark of the Vampire" is an original creation for the film and does not have a literary source akin to Dracula's.
- Character Background: Count Mora is a mysterious vampire suspected of being responsible for a nobleman's death and other supernatural occurrences in a small European village. His background is less detailed and developed compared to Dracula's rich lore.
- Motivation: Initially, Mora seems to be driven by typical vampiric motives (feeding on blood, spreading fear), but it is later revealed that his vampirism is part of an elaborate hoax to expose the true murderer.
Narrative Roles[]
Count Dracula[]
- Role: In "Dracula," he is the central antagonist, embodying the quintessential vampire villain. The narrative revolves around his predatory nature and the efforts to stop him by characters like Professor Van Helsing.
- Impact: Dracula’s actions drive the plot, as his menace directly threatens the protagonists.
Count Mora[]
- Role: Mora appears to be a traditional vampire antagonist, but his true role is part of a staged ruse to solve a murder mystery. He and his daughter Luna are actors in a complex scheme to trick the real murderer into revealing himself.
- Impact: Mora's presence creates a gothic atmosphere and serves as a red herring, leading the audience to believe in a supernatural threat that is later debunked.
Characteristics and Abilities[]
Count Dracula[]
- Appearance: Lugosi’s Dracula is suave, charismatic, and hypnotic, with a commanding presence. He is often depicted in formal attire, complete with a cape.
- Abilities: Dracula has a range of supernatural abilities, including shape-shifting (into a bat or wolf), hypnotic control over victims, and superhuman strength.
- Weaknesses: He has traditional vampire weaknesses, such as vulnerability to sunlight, garlic, holy symbols, and a stake through the heart.
Count Mora[]
- Appearance: Mora shares some visual similarities with Dracula, such as his pale complexion and dark attire, reinforcing the classic vampire look.
- Abilities: Mora is portrayed with typical vampiric attributes, such as nocturnal activity and a mysterious demeanor. However, these abilities are part of the illusion rather than genuine supernatural powers.
- Weaknesses: Since Mora’s vampirism is ultimately revealed to be a fabrication, his weaknesses are more about the plot’s revelations rather than inherent traits.
Thematic and Symbolic Differences[]
Count Dracula[]
- Themes: Dracula represents the ultimate foreign invader, bringing terror and corruption from a distant land. Themes of sexuality, immortality, and the fear of the unknown are prevalent.
- Symbolism: He is a symbol of death, eternal damnation, and the seductive lure of evil.
Count Mora[]
- Themes: Mora's character explores themes of deception, the power of belief, and the manipulation of superstition. The film uses his character to critique the ease with which people can be misled by appearances.
- Symbolism: Mora symbolizes the illusion of evil and the dangers of credulity, contrasting with Dracula's embodiment of genuine malevolence.