Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula cover art

Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula Details

2000 DVD Certificate 18.gif
  • Rated:
  • 50
  • from 505 members

DARK PRINCE: THE TRUE STORY OF DRACULA tells the story of Vlad the Impaler--the historical model for Bram Stoker's Dracula. At first, it seems that director Joe Chappelle and screenwriter Tom Baum might have been influenced more by Errol Flynn and THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD than by Bram Stoker. Vlad--like Robin--is a .. Read more

Starring Rudolf Martin, Peter Weller, Jane March, Roger Daltrey
Director Joe Chappelle
Genres Horror

Sign up Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula DVD

loading loading...

Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula cover art

Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula

DARK PRINCE: THE TRUE STORY OF DRACULA tells the story of Vlad the Impaler--the historical model for Bram Stoker's Dracula. At first, it seems that director Joe Chappelle and screenwriter Tom Baum might have been influenced more by Errol Flynn and THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD than by Bram Stoker. Vlad--like Robin--is a dispossessed noble, and a patriot who fights the occupation forces of the Turks (rather than the evil usurper, King John). Vlad (Rudolph Martin) meets his Maid Marion, Lidia (Jane March) and finds a Little John--the hulking Bruno (Christopher Brand). The King of Hungary (Roger Daltry) becomes Vald's ally and, with his support, Vlad and his men attack the occupying Turks and turncoat Romanian nobles.
Then, the movie changes tack, and its mood darkens. Lidia discovers what Vlad does to the bodies of his enemies--and she is horrified. When Lidia has a child, Vlad takes control of the boy, and banishes her to a nunnery. Then, Vlad's brother Radu (Michael Sutton) arrives at the head of a large Turkish invasion force. In the end, DARK PRINCE reveals why and how the historical Vlad acquired his notoriety--and spawned Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Starring Rudolf Martin, Peter Weller, Jane March, Roger Daltrey
Director Joe Chappelle
Studio CINEMA CLUB
Run time DVD: 1 hr 28 mins
Certificate DVD Certificate 18.gif
Genres Horror
Language English
Released DVD: 20 Mar 2004
Production year: 2000
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews of Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula

    View all
  • 3 stars out of 5

    A highly romanticised, yet basically accurate, telling of how 15th-century Romanian warlord Vlad Tepes became the brutal blood-drinking tyrant of Eastern European folklore and the basis for Bram Stoker's Dracula character. All the infamous atrocities are present and correct in this swashbuckling horror telemovie — impaling his victims, nailing the helmets to his Turkish enemies' heads, the bitter feud with his bother Radu — and B-movie maestro Joe Chappelle makes the most out of its low budget and Romanian locations. Rudolf Martin acquits himself well as Vlad and The Who's Roger Daltrey convincingly portrays King Janos. The final shift into fantasy is a little awkwardly done but overall it's an impressive take on the historical origins of the vampire myth.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • Most helpful member's review of Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula

    View all
  • 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    The Real Dracula

    This movie follows the life of Prince Vlad Dracula or Vlad Tepes rather than the fictional vampire Count Dracula of Bram Stoker's book. Rudolf Martin gives a memorable portrayal of the 'Dark Prince' and his life as ruler in Transylvania, the time he spent in Romania, and also as a 'captive' in Hungary. The scenery has an authentic feel to it and the movie is dark but very compelling. Roger Daltrey gives an adequate performance as the King of Hungary, but Martin is very believable as Prince Vlad.

      • TopDollar from North Wales
      • Posted 02 Apr 2007 16:31

  • Most recent members' review of Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula

    View all
  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    Quite an interesting film. Don't rent it if you expecting Gothic Horror, as Dark Prince attempts to show the reality behind the myth. Rudolf Martin is perfectly cast as Vlad the Impaler - a prince striving hard to free his people from oppression, but finding his gory methods have left him unpopular. Jane March is also good as his wife (and looks great!). The location shots are very impressive, and add to the credibility of the film. With the exception of certain places where the plot seemed far too hurried, this was both entertaining and educational - showing us the reality of the human dilemma faced by the man who has become a legend. Well worth watching.

      • Steve#92 from HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
      • Posted 13 Oct 2004 15:24

  • More like this

    View all
    Showing 1 to 4 of 20

    loading

Find cinemas


Rating breakdown

505 Member ratings
  • 100
26
  • 90
23
  • 80
40
  • 70
63
  • 60
102
  • 50
73
  • 40
64
  • 30
50
  • 20
42
  • 10
22

Related user collection

Buy from the LOVEFiLM shop

    • Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula

    • Dark Prince - The Legend Of Dracula
      DARK PRINCE: THE TRUE STORY OF DRACULA tells the story of Vlad the Impaler--the historical model for Bram Stoker's Dracula. At first, it seems that director Joe Chappelle and screenwriter Tom Baum might have been influenced more by Errol Flynn and THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD than by Bram Stoker. ...