Bela Lugosi's Dracula cape

[carlsporkpie]

Hi, everyone!

I did a cursory search on here to see if this was covered before, and didn't see anything, so I'll proceed as if I didn't miss anything. I'm sure if I did, I'll be notified quickly.

Just wondering if anyone knows how Bela wore his cape back in the 1931 Dracula? I don't see any chains or ties. Did it just rest on his shoulders, or am I missing something?

Thanks for any insights, and for looking. Happy Halloween, everyone!

 

[division 6]

From the looks of it, it just sits there.

Some info from the 2011 auction says it has a metal frame in the collar, so that is probably what keeps it in place.

 

[Zombie_61]

From the looks of it, it just sits there.

Some info from the 2011 auction says it has a metal frame in the collar, so that is probably what keeps it in place.
View attachment 851001

Based on stills I've looked at I'm fairly certain the "metal band" referred to was used to keep the collar up and to somewhat conform to the shape of Lugosi's neck, but it appears to have been too loose to have held the cape in place. This is purely speculation, but I'd guess the cape had a strap on each side that would attach to buttons hidden under the jacket's collar.

 

[Funky]

Based on stills I've looked at I'm fairly certain the "metal band" referred to was used to keep the collar up and to somewhat conform to the shape of Lugosi's neck, but it appears to have been too loose to have held the cape in place. This is purely speculation, but I'd guess the cape had a strap on each side that would attach to buttons hidden under the jacket's collar.

I'm no specialist, but I think Zombie's assumption is spot on.

 

[moviebuff5]

I am seeing straps that hold it on the shoulders.
https://asimplefellow.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/dracula-cape.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2878/33874345190_00e4af8402_o.png

Looks to be similar to the design used on this cape.
https://wendylovesjesus.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/lugosibela02.jpg

 

[carlsporkpie]

Thanks for the insights, everyone! I don't know why it took me so long to notice that there wasn't a visible clasp or tie around the front, but once I did, I'd been stumped. It seemed to me that any significant movement would jeopardize the cape if it were merely sitting there; I'd never considered something hidden. Given Lugosi's attention to detail regarding his appearance, it makes sense.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Cool info. I didn't even consider that and I've been trying to work on a scaled version of the cape. This will certainly help. Thanks.