ON THE SET OF SON OF DRACULA

Horror films were on a tight budget in the 1940s, but not so tight to have the leading actor pitch in as an assistant set decorator as this photograph suggests! Actually, Lon Chaney as Count Alucard is having fun playing with a prop web spinner. Jack is in the background touching up Louise Albritton in between shots. The other woman in the picture is unidentified.

Son of Dracula was released in 1944. It was directed by Robert Siodmak, who went on to helm several stylish film noir thrillers such as Criss Cross. Robert's brother, Curt (noted for writing the screenplay for The Wolf Man), authored the story on which the film was based. Universal's #1 Scream Queen Evelyn Ankers also co-starred.

JACK PIERCE WIGS OUT

Above is a publicity photo--surely intended to be humorous-- showing Jack putting the final touches on Conrad Veidt's wig on the set of The Man Who Laughs (Universal, 1928). At some point in his career Pierce became a professional barber. Notice his portable makeup kit in the background.

The identity of the photographer is unknown, but it is most likely Roman or Jack Freulich or Ray Jones, all who worked for Universal at the time.

JACK AND CARTOONIST FEG MURRAY

Ex-athlete turned cartoonist Feg Murray befriended Jack and often included his makeup creations in his strip "Seein' Stars". This example of Boris Karloff in Son of Frankenstein (1939) is from Pierce's scrapbook.