The brother of Dr. Frankenstein's assistant, Niemann was trying to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Frankenstein but was imprisoned for graverobbing and spent 15 years in prison. In prison he befriended a hunchback named Daniel. A lightning storm destroys the prison, allowing the two to escape. They meet a traveling showman named Bruno Lampini who had the remains of Dracula. When he refuses to take Niemann and Daniel to Reigelberg, Niemann has Daniel kill Bruno and Niemann takes Bruno's place. At Reigelberg, Niemann shows off Dracula's skeleton and sees Herr Hussman, one of the men who sent him to prison. After the show ends, Niemann takes the stake out of Dracula's remains in an attempt to kill Hussman but removing the stake revives Dracula. Niemann keeps the stake near Dracula's heart and