Who was Count Alucard? Was he Dracula's son as the film's title indicates, or was he really just Dracula in disguise? One of the Dracula clan sheds some daylight on the Count's identity and drives a stake through the mystery that has plagued horror fans for decades.

For years there have been questions about the real identity of the title character in the Universal horror classic SON OF DRACULA. Despite the obvious evidence of the film's title, some claim that the character is not Dracula's son but Dracula himself. In the film itself Dr. Lazlo states that the vampire Count who arrived at Dark Oaks (who's name spelled backwards is Dracula) is probably a "descendent" of the original Dracula. Yet some still insist that "Son of" in the title is a misnomer and merely a generic sequel term not meant to be taken literally. Since Kay Caldwell, the Count's newly undead bride, reveals that Count Alucard's real name is Count Dracula and a connection is immediately made to the well-known Hungarian vampire, many believe this indicates that he is actually the original Dracula. Now the record can be set straight. The reference books can be rewritten. Monster Kid puts an end to the arguments by interviewing a surviving member of the Dracula family and uncovering the true facts about the Dracula family history.

The Bride Bites Back
An Neck-sclusive Interview
by Monster Kid's Raving Reporter
Grave Digger

Grave Digger here. Some time ago our gruesome editor, Count Gamula, sent me in search of the truth about the Son of Dracula. I began my search in Louisiana where our mysterious subject had lived (unlived?) for a short time before being reduced to bones in a drainage tunnel courtesy of a half-deranged Frank Stanley. The Stanley family had apparently moved away years ago after Frank's breakdown. It was rumored that Frank Stanley later married and had a son who changed his name to Pyle and moved to a little town in South Carolina before joining the Marines. None of the remaining Caldwell family would agree to speak with me about the events and I could find no records of the case in the newspapers.

I then traveled to Transylvania to find out what I could from the locals there about the Dracula family history. Not surprisingly, I found that the word "Dracula" is a real conversation killer in those parts. I did receive one lucky break. When one peasant woman realized I was an American, she angrily told me to go back home and ask Countess Zenobia if I was so curious about the Draculas. I had never heard that name before so when I returned to the states I started searching and eventually found some information on a person by that name. Records were sketchy but she apparently had lived in Romania before immigrating here over 50 years ago. Her last recorded place of residence was in southern California. On a hunch I looked for the name Alucard in all the area phone book and finally found a "Z. Alucard" listed. I dialed the number. I started to cross my fingers, but thought that wasn't a good idea in this case. The voice on the other end of the line did not have the continental accent I had hoped for but was surprisingly middle American. The following interview at last reveals many previously unknown facts about the Dracula family and hopefully will lay to rest once and for all the controversy surrounding Dracula's offspring.

Countess Dracula: Hello?

Monster Kid: Am I speaking with Countess Zenobia Alucard?

CD: Well, yes. I used to go by "Countess" in the old days.

MK: Did you also go by the name of... Dracula?

CD: Who is this? This isn't that Weaver fellow is it?

MK: No ma'am. My name is Grave Digger and I work for Monster Kid Magazine.

CD: Are you sure? Don't try and trick me now! That Weaver is always calling trying to get an interview but I refuse to speak with him. I don't like some of the things he's written about my husband.

MK: I can assure you I have no affiliation with this Mr. Weaver. I found your name in the phone book.

CD: Hmmm I guess that Alucard routine is getting a little old. I'll have to find another moniker. Well, now that you've found me, how may I help you?

MK: Countess Dracula, Monster Kid Magazine has assigned me to dig up the full story concerning the Dracula family. There are many unanswered questions that we hope you can clear up for us.

CD: Very well then. Proceed with your questions but don't take all night.