Frankenstein (1931): Lost Bela Lugosi Test Reel Footage

Universal's Frankenstein is one if not the most popular, iconic, and beloved horror films of all time. One of the biggest draws to the film is Boris Karloff's performance as the Monster. Portraying the Monster as sympathetic, this performance has become the most recognizable version of the Monster. However the part of the Monster was not originally given to Boris Karloff, but instead Bela Lugosi.

Test Reel
The famous horror actor Bela Lugosi was well known for his portrayal as Dracula. While filming Dracula Universal decided to start it's next project which became Frankenstein. Lugosi became the first actor to be cast as the Monster and he wished to create his own makeup, however his design was rejected. After several test reel's with Edward Van Sloan (Dr. Waldman). Another of the test reel's clocking in at 20-minutes, filmed on Dracula sets, and directed by Robert Florey. After these tests Lugosi rejected the non-speaking and heavily made-up role saying "I was a star in his own country and I will not be a scarecrow here"! After the film was released Lugosi regretted his decision. Over time the test reels (which were never shown to the public) became lost. The footage like many other cut scenes from Hollywood's past became lost. It was likely destroyed by Universal one the grounds that it was unimportant.