Bela Lugosi as Jesus!?

No, don’t worry, this photo isn’t from a movie — though it is a picture of the man who would become famous for a career that included the Dracula movies (1931ff) as well as the early films of Ed Wood (from 1953’s Glen or Glenda to 1959’s Plan 9 from Outer Space, the latter of which was shot almost entirely after Lugosi died).

Instead, this is one of several photos that were taken while Bela Lugosi played Jesus in a passion play in 1909. The host site says, “It appears that this role was of special importance to the young Lugosi, as he had a number of pictures taken of himself in the role. They also illustrate the remarkable resemblance that Bela bore to the traditional images of Christ.” Um, well, sure, okay.

I’m trying to think up a good “I never drink … wine” joke.

Thanks to Christ Portrayed, a blog devoted to portraits of Jesus, for this link. And thanks to David L. Rattigan for linking to that.