The high-collared cape associated with Dracula was not in Bram Stoker’s novel. It was created for a 1924 stage adaptation out of necessity for a practical special effect. The high collar allowed the cape to be held in place with strings while the actor playing Dracula disappeared down a trapdoor. Bela Lugosi played the role on Broadway and then in the classic 1931 movie, bringing the high-collared cape with him.