Tod Browning

Tod Browning was an American film director best remembered for directing the first authorized film adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula. He also directed the infamous "lost" film London After Midnight starring Lon Chaney, Sr.. Browning had originally wanted to cast Chaney in the title role for Dracula, but Chaney unfortunately died from lung and throat cancer before the offer could be extended. Noted for his work during the silent era, Dracula would have been Chaney's second "talkie" film. Following Dracula, Browning went on to direct another controversial film, Universal's Freaks. This film was very personal to Browning, and harkened back to his days as a contorionist in a traveling circus. Following that was Mark of the Vampire which starred Bela Lugosi, the Hungarian actor who also landed the lead role in Dracula. Mark of the Vampire was essentially a remake of London After Midnight. Browning was also associated, though uncredited, with the 1936 film The Devil Doll. His final film was the MGM mystery-thriller Miracles for Sale.