Trivial Pursuits: An Introduction

The Many Faces of Dracula

Yes, another Movie Dearest section. This one will focus on all the film facts, movie minutiae and cinematic secrets we all crave. In other words: it's trivia time!

Therefore, in recognition of the Internet Movie Database's nifty new "Character Page" feature, this first installment of Trivial Pursuits will focus on movie characters, specifically horror movie characters, in keeping with this month's Halloween theme.

For example, did you know that:

• Count Dracula is the horror movie character most often portrayed onscreen, by such actors as Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee, Frank Langella, George Hamilton, Gary Oldman and Gerard Butler.
• In addition to the five Psycho feature films, Norman Bates appeared in a TV movie titled Bates Motel.
• Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray has been played by an actress on film at least twice.
• Shuler Hensley, who played the Frankenstein Monster in the movie Van Helsing, will play the character again in the upcoming Broadway musical adaptation of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein.
• Jack Torrance's first name is actually John.
• Ruth Gordon reprised her Academy Award-winning role as Minnie Castevet in the TV movie sequel, Look What's Happened to Rosemary's Baby. Patty Duke Astin took over for Mia Farrow as Rosemary.
• King Kong was once portrayed by ... Dudley Moore?
• Five years before they battled each other on the big screen in Freddy vs. Jason, Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees "guest-starred" together on an episode of The Simpsons.
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde have been played by such actors as John Barrymore, Fredric March (who won the Oscar for his performance), Spencer Tracy, Jack Palance, Kirk Douglas, Anthony Perkins, Michael Cain, John Malkovich and ... David Hasselhoff.

Links via Imdb.com.