Carroll Borland : The Marked Woman

  Only two actresses of 30-s could become true icons of horror : unforgettable Bride of Frankenstein, Elsa Lanchester, and mysterious silent beauty from the film "Mark of the vampire"(1935), Carroll Borland (or Carol Borland). It was unpleasant surprise for me  to find out that this Browning's film which is available today only in its theatrical cut is the only picture where I have possibility to see that magnetic vampiress.
  According Carroll's version she was fascinated by Bela Lugosi's performance when young miss Borland saw Hungarian star as Count Dracula in theater. Inspired, Carroll wrote the novel called "Countess Dracula" and sent the manuscript to Lugosi who offered her to play part of Lucy, one of Dracula's victims, in the stage production.
  There were many rumours about Carroll's relationship with famous horror figure which she considered as "paternalistic". No doubt American actress gave lot of food for people's imagination, contending :" Let me admit with no apology that to me Dracula is Bela Lugosi, and Lugosi is Dracula. There is no separation of the two. Many have donned his nocturnal cloak, as some, like Christopher Lee, have presented most creditable representations of great undead Count - but can never be Dracula. If not for Technicolor I could say they are only pale imitations".
  In original script of "Mark of the vampire" Bela Lugosi's character, Count Mora, had incestious relationship with his daughter Luna (this part was played by Carroll Borland) and that was the reason he comitted suicide. After the filming began this turn of plot was declared as unacceptable by standarts of Production Code, but the viewers can see unexplained scar/bullet hole on the side of Lugosi's forehead.
  Morticia Addams was patterned by his creator exactly after Carroll's Luna Mora. As to actress she retired from acting in 1953. Her novel "Countess Dracula" was published in March 1994. The same year Carroll died from pneumonia.
  Borland's part in "Mark of the vampire" had only one line in the end of the film, but this role turned young actress in the cult figure and true legend of horror.

A.v.F.