Which actor played Dracula in the 1931 Spanish-language film version?

Carlos Villarías played Dracula in the 1931 Spanish-language film version.

Universal produced the Spanish-language Dracula for international audiences during the early sound era, when films could no longer be easily exported with silent intertitles. George Melford directed the production, with Villarías portraying Conde Drácula and Lupita Tovar playing Eva, the Spanish version’s heroine.

The Spanish film was shot at night on the same Universal sets used by Tod Browning’s English-language production during the day. Melford and his crew could observe the English shoot, then adapt staging and camera choices for their own cast and language.

Villarías is sometimes overshadowed by Bela Lugosi, whose performance in the English version became iconic. The Spanish production, however, is valued as a distinct interpretation, with different pacing, performances, and visual choices. It was long considered obscure until surviving prints brought it renewed attention.