 Ian Keith (I) (qv), the original choice for Count Dracula in  _Dracula (1931)_ (qv), was originally considered for Dracula in this  film. Bela Lugosi (qv) wasnt considered at first because the  studio thought he was dead. When they learned Lugosi was alive,  Lugosis agent shamed the head of the studio into getting him the  role by saying, "He is Dracula! You owe this role to Lugosi!"