Dracula Details

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[Highly rated reviewer]

One of The Guardian's 1000 Films to See Before You Die

One of The Guardian's '1000 Films to See Before You Die' - Fisher's DRACULA, Widely regarded as the feature that revolutionised the British Gothic horror genre and established Hammer's blood-curdling reputation, this first full colour reworking of Bram Stoker's novel, is legendary among horror fans for introducing Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing on screen for the first time.

Although he inherited the swirling cape from Bela Lugosi (The American release was retitled THE HORROR OF DRACULA to avoid confusion with the 1931 black and white classic), Christopher Lee's inspired blend of aristocratic charm and animal magnetism (not to mention those blood-red contact lenses) made the role all his own. He still holds the record for the most film performances of the Count.

An energetic and intense experience, from the blood-drenched title credits, through an astonishingly zealous piece of improvisation by Peter Cushing, as Dr Van Helsing breaks free from the Count and desperately runs the length of the table in the Great Hall, before leaping to tear down the curtains and reach for that makeshift candlestick crucifix. The much-emulated climactic disintegration scene, seen here in its entirety for the first time, influenced the ending of GREMLINS and the disintegration of Voldemort in the first Harry Potter film.

With an interesting cameo from Michael Gough (Alfred in the Batman films playing Holmwood), lavish cinematography and James Bernard's frenetic musical score, this is a treat for horror fans and the cineaste.

From Behind the Sofa.

I remember seeing this film years ago. It hasn't lost any sparkle at all. How we could do with these actors now. Modern horrors could learn so much from Hammers Dracula.