Bela Lugosi was a "right old slag" when it came to acting. To paraphrase, Bela's son once said that his father wasn't particular about the quality of a script, he just loved to act. Both of these qualities are evident in the 1941 film, "Invisible Ghost." The script was more full of holes than a Swiss cheese and had other similar qualities. However, this movie was delightful to watch. The performers appeared to be enjoying themselves, and I would venture to say that, other than the rage that Bela's character, Charles Kessler, gave an insight into the actor's real-life demeanor--aside, of course, from the homicidal rage that he was overcome with when seeing his unfaithful wife, who was neither invisible nor a ghost, peering in the window.
Sadly, Bela Lugosi's acting talents were rarely showcased properly throughout his film career. He starred in a number of movies that would have been completely forgettable but for his presence.
Personally, I'd enjoy the most notably awful film starring Bela Lugosi far more than some of today's supposedly noteworthy offerings. There are reasons why I don't spend what little money I have on going to the movies, the main one being that they try too hard to be "cutting edge," "over the top," more violent, more filled with annoying pseudo-sex, etc., etc., ad nauseum. Aside from lacking a strong script and actors who are more passionate about their craft than their image, most modern films lack one key factor that would provoke me into spending my last paltry cash to see them.
FUN!
Bela Lugosi made even the worst scripts enjoyable.
He was a truly gifted actor.
