The film industry can be a cutthroat business, but it helps when you have friends at your side. A talented actor and an overall kind man, Bela Lugosi made many friends during his time as an actor. Though he is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Dracula in the 1931 film of the same name, Lugosi was a versatile actor, appearing in various horror films.

In 1939, Lugosi starred as Igor in the popular horror film Son of Frankenstein. Lugosi’s wife, Lillian, recalled that at that time, the actor’s career had hit a lull. The studio attempted to take advantage of the actor’s sedated success and attempted to con him out of proper payment for the film.

“They cut Bela’s salary from $1,000 per week to $500,” said Lillian Arch, according to It's Alive! The Classic Cinema Saga of Frankenstein, by Gregory William Mank. “Then they planned to shoot all his scenes in the picture in one week!”

Luckily, Lugosi had one very important supporter on his side: The director of the project, Rowland V. Lee.

“When Rowland V. Lee heard about this, he said, and I quote, ‘Those God-damned sons of bitches!’” said Lillian. "'I’ll show them. I’m going to keep Bela in this picture from the first day of shooting right up to the last!’ And he did.” Because of Lee’s intervention, Lugosi was given proper payment for his expert portrayal of Igor. “Bela loved it,” said Lillian. “He loved any challenging part.”