The Resilience and Survival of the Horror Masterpiece, 'Nosferatu'

The Big Picture

F.W. Murnau's Nosferatu is a groundbreaking vampire film that almost didn't survive due to copyright infringement, but it ultimately prevailed.

The film incorporated modifications to prevent being a mere duplication of Bram Stoker's Dracula, which included revising the name of the primary vampire and adjusting certain elements of the storyline.

Despite concerted attempts to eradicate all existing copies of Nosferatu, the film triumphed over adversity and was able to resurface, ultimately entering the public domain in 2019.

There is no way to predict how the Halloween horror genre would look today without F.W. Murnau's masterpiece Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror. This film is widely regarded as the best vampire movie in the industry. However, its availability today is purely fortunate, as it narrowly escaped complete destruction due to copyright infringement. The legal action was initiated by Florence Stoker, the widow of Bram Stoker, the original author of Dracula. Bram Stoker's epistolary masterpiece is now a household name, recognized even by those who have never seen Bela Lugosi's iconic portrayal. Considering the countless adaptations of Dracula over the years, it is astonishing that the first cinematic adaptation almost disappeared entirely. Nevertheless, destiny had other plans, and the film prevailed against all odds.

Nosferatu (1922)

Release Date May 18, 1922Director F.W. MurnauCast Max Schreck, Alexander GranachRating Not RatedMain Genre Horror

Is ’Nosferatu’ A Direct Adaptation of ‘Dracula’?

In 1922, there were limited cautionary tales regarding legal permissions for adapting source material into films. It is uncertain if Murnau was aware of these requirements when adapting Bram Stoker’s Dracula, as the original German intertitles credit it as the source material. However, the film made significant changes to avoid being a direct copy. One notable change was renaming Count Dracula to Count Orlok, portrayed by Max Schreck in horrifying makeup that remains chilling even today. Additionally, certain plot points were amended, such as Orlok's arrival in Germany accompanied by plague-spreading rats. These changes would go on to become enduring elements in vampire lore, with Orlok being the first vampire to be vanquished by sunlight. In the original novel, Dracula was only weakened by sunlight, but for Orlok and subsequent vampires, it proved fatal.

These alterations reflect the prevalent fears of the time, particularly concerning disease and foreign invaders. However, it would be a while before an adaptation faithfully adhered to the source material. Even Lugosi's 1931 Dracula made significant plot changes to fit a concise 75-minute runtime, while Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation aimed for accuracy and established Dracula as a monstrous figure. The multitude of interpretations of Count Dracula in popular culture speaks to his iconic status.

Why Was ‘Nosferatu’ Ordered to Be Destroyed?

Florence Stoker remained oblivious to the adaptation of her late husband's work until she received a letter containing the program for Nosferatu's highly anticipated Berlin premiere. The letter clearly stated the source material for the film. Fueled by a relentless legal battle, Florence fought for three years, eventually winning the case. Unfortunately, the production company behind Nosferatu, Prana Film, was bankrupt and unable to provide her with compensation. Allegedly, it was at Florence's insistence that the film negatives were surrendered and all existing copies were destroyed.

Florence Stoker's vengeance knew no bounds. However, she did grant actor Hamilton Deane permission to produce a stage version of the story in 1924. This particular adaptation went on to become the foundation for Tod Browning and Bela Lugosi's iconic 1931 Universal classic, Dracula. Deane was notable for being the first to cast Lugosi, who perfectly embodied the role of the menacing Eastern aristocrat in Browning's interpretation of Stoker's novel. Florence's decision to allow this seductive interpretation proved to be a wise one as the success of Deane's stage version, combined with the film rights acquired by Browning, ensured Florence's financial security during her final years.

How Did ‘Nosferatu’ Survive Utter Destruction?

Known as the first cult film, Nosferatu is infamous for its limited availability due to legal restrictions. However, copies managed to escape and circulate through various international circuits before the court order took effect. Surviving French and German prints allowed the resurrection of Nosferatu, although not in the conventional manner. The restoration process was meticulous and involved piecing together fragments from multiple copies. Bram Stoker, the creator of the iconic vampire, could not even halt the film's influence. Similar to the slumbering Orlok, Nosferatu remained dormant for years, fragmented and scattered.

Against all odds and legal barriers, Nosferatu rose from the dead once again when it entered the public domain worldwide in 2019. The surviving prints of Nosferatu are now open to interpretation and modification by anyone. The film has become so influential that it inspired a remake by legendary director Werner Herzog, starring Klaus Kinski, as well as a fictionalized account of its creation called Shadow of the Vampire, which earned Willem Dafoe an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Max Schreck. While The Last Voyage of the Demeter is just one of many adaptations of Bram Stoker's work, fans of the film have even more to anticipate with Robert Eggers' upcoming Nosferatu remake.

Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror is available for streaming on Kanopy.

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