Why Was the Original Nosferatu Movie Banned in 1922?

When we think of the most terrifying figures in horror, vampires often top the list. Throughout history, vampires have fascinated and haunted us. Of all the vampires ever imagined, none is more iconic than Count Dracula, the Prince of Darkness. However, before the massive success of the vampire-centric adaptations we know today, there was Nosferatu, a 1922 silent film that played a key role in shaping vampire lore as we know it. The movie, although a masterpiece, was banned shortly after its release. So, why exactly was the original Nosferatu banned?

Nosferatu and the Copyright Infringement of Dracula

In order to understand the controversy surrounding Nosferatu, we have to look at how it was conceived. Albin Grau, the producer of Nosferatu, first encountered the idea of vampires while stationed in Serbia during World War I. He heard local folklore about blood-sucking creatures, which sparked his desire to bring a vampire story to the big screen. His inspiration? Bram Stoker’s famous novel, Dracula. However, here’s where the problem lies: Bram Stoker had already written and published Dracula in 1897, and the rights to adapt the story were not for sale at least not in Germany.

Grau faced a roadblock: He couldn’t get the rights to adapt Dracula. Despite Dracula being in the public domain in the United States due to a faulty copyright notice, the situation in Germany was entirely different. Copyright law in Germany stipulated that Stoker’s rights wouldn’t expire until 1962, fifty years after his death. This meant that without permission from Stoker’s estate, Grau couldn’t legally adapt Dracula in his home country. But instead of backing down, Grau and his team decided to move forward with the film by making small tweaks to the original story.

A Thin Disguise: Count Orlok Instead of Count Dracula

Nosferatu’s creators made several adjustments to avoid being labelled as a direct adaptation of Dracula. The film’s title was changed from Dracula to Nosferatu, and the main antagonist, Count Dracula, was rebranded as Count Orlok. Alongside these name changes, the setting and characters’ names were also modified. Jonathan Harker, for instance, became Thomas Hutter, and Mina Harker became Ellen Hutter. These alterations were meant to make the film different enough from Dracula to avoid legal action.

However, the basic plot remained largely the same. A man visits a vampire’s castle for business, and the vampire, obsessed with the man’s fiancée, follows him back to their home in pursuit of her. Even with these changes, the resemblance to Dracula was undeniable. The film’s narrative and structure were still heavily influenced by Stoker’s novel, and, unsurprisingly, the Stoker estate noticed.

The Lawsuit That Doomed Nosferatu

Shortly after Nosferatu premiered in 1922, Stoker’s widow, Florence Stoker, filed a lawsuit against the film’s production company, Prana Film, claiming that Nosferatu was an unauthorized adaptation of Dracula. She demanded compensation and asked for all copies of the film to be destroyed. Prana Film, already facing financial difficulties, declared bankruptcy shortly after the lawsuit was filed.

Despite Prana Film’s financial troubles, the court ruled in Favor of Florence Stoker. The judge’s decision was clear: all existing copies of Nosferatu were to be destroyed. It’s worth noting that back then, movies were stored on physical reels, so destroying the reels would effectively erase the film from existence. Most of Nosferatu’s prints were indeed destroyed as a result of the lawsuit.

The One Surviving Copy That Saved Nosferatu

Luckily for cinema lovers everywhere, one print of Nosferatu survived. A copy made its way to the United States, where Dracula was in the public domain. This allowed the film to be re-released without any legal issues, and from this single surviving print, multiple copies of Nosferatu were reproduced.

Although the film had been declared illegal in Germany, it found new life in the United States. Over the years, it developed a cult following and gradually became recognized as one of the most influential horror films of all time. Without that one surviving print, the world might have never seen Nosferatu again.

What Does “Nosferatu” Mean?

The word “Nosferatu” has long been associated with vampires, but its origins are a bit murky. The term is thought to derive from the Romanian word “Nesuferitu,” which translates to “the offensive one” or “the insufferable one.” In the context of folklore, the term began to be used as a synonym for “vampire.”

Albin Grau, inspired by the eerie mystique of this word, decided to use “Nosferatu” as the title for his film. And despite the legal drama surrounding the movie, the name stuck. Today, “Nosferatu” is synonymous with the image of a rat-like, ghastly vampire, distinct from the aristocratic Count Dracula.

Nosferatu’s Impact on Horror Cinema

Despite its rocky beginning and legal setbacks, Nosferatu had a profound impact on the horror genre. The film introduced many elements that would become staples in vampire lore. For example, Nosferatu was the first movie to depict vampires as being vulnerable to sunlight, an idea that is now integral to vampire mythology.

Count Orlok’s eerie appearance, with his gaunt face, pointed ears, and elongated fingers, has influenced how vampires are portrayed in countless films and television shows. In fact, even modern vampire depictions ranging from animated characters like the one in SpongeBob SquarePants to the more terrifying vampires in 30 Days of Night owe much to Nosferatu’s legacy.

Nosferatu vs. Dracula: Key Differences

While Nosferatu and Dracula share similar storylines, there are some key differences between the two works. The most noticeable difference is the portrayal of the vampires themselves. Dracula is portrayed as a seductive, aristocratic figure, draped in luxurious clothing and exuding an air of mystery. He’s charismatic, wealthy, and uses his charm to lure in his victims.

Count Orlok, on the other hand, is anything but charming. His appearance is grotesque, resembling more of a hideous creature than a suave nobleman. He moves with a haunting stillness, and his unsettling appearance alone is enough to send chills down anyone’s spine. Orlok’s monstrous looks emphasize the pure horror that comes with encountering a vampire there’s nothing seductive about him.

Additionally, while Dracula manipulates his prey using his intellect and charm, Orlok is driven more by instinct and predatory behaviour. This creates a stark contrast between the two iconic vampires. In essence, Dracula is the epitome of the seductive vampire, while Orlok represents the monstrous side of the vampire mythos.

The Evolution of Nosferatu: From 1922 to 2024

Since its release in 1922, Nosferatu has been adapted and reinterpreted numerous times. Perhaps the most notable of these adaptations is Werner Herzog’s 1979 film Nosferatu the Vampyre, which takes inspiration from the original movie while adding a fresh spin to the story. Herzog’s version also incorporates elements from Stoker’s Dracula, and unlike the original, he wasn’t restricted by copyright issues since Dracula had entered the public domain by then.

But Nosferatu’s journey doesn’t end there. In 2024, director Robert Eggers is set to release his own adaptation of Nosferatu. Eggers, known for films like The Witch and The Lighthouse, is expected to bring his unique, atmospheric style to this new version. Fans are eagerly awaiting how he will blend elements from the 1922 classic and the 1979 adaptation, while bringing a fresh, modern take to the timeless vampire story.

A Legacy That Endures

Even though it was banned and nearly lost forever, Nosferatu has endured. It remains one of the most iconic films in horror history, not just for its eerie portrayal of vampires but for its place in cinema as a whole. Without Nosferatu, the horror genre especially vampire films would likely look very different today.

While it’s true that Nosferatu may have been born out of legal defiance, it’s also a testament to the creative spirit that thrives in the face of adversity. A century later, Count Orlok’s shadow continues to loom over the world of horror, reminding us that some monsters never die.