Dracula Reviews

* * * This review contains spoilers * * *ShowHide

[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.

Dull and uninspired

For some reason I expected this to be a fairly entertaining film, possibly because it was the first of Hammer's many Dracula films, so I assumed it would be better than any of the numerous sequels. Also I have seen and enjoyed Hammer's first Frankenstein film, Curse of Frankenstein. However, this film is really only of interest for the fact that it is the first time Lee & Cushing played Dracula & Van Helsing.

The biggest problem with this film is that it was obviously made very cheaply. Most, if not all of the exterior shots are quite clearly sets or artificial backdrops, and most of the characters and story from the novel have been dropped, probably so they wouldn't have to hire too many actors. Not only that, but most of the actors they did hire are competent at best, and in a couple of cases not even that good. What we are left with is a very thin storyline in which Dr Van Helsing is trying to destroy Dracula, and that's pretty much it. The lack of any real plot development after the first 15 minutes, together with the shortage of characters, mean that many scenes feel padded out, and there isn't really enough drama or tension to sustain your interest all the way through.

One redeeming feature is Christopher Lee's performance, which ironically, given he is playing the lord of the undead, is actually the film's liveliest. Unfortunately, he only seems to have about ten minutes of screen time, with the rest of the film taken up by Peter Cushing looking serious and Michael Gough (best known as Alfred in the Batman films) scowling.

As well as not being particularly scary, or even interesting, there is very little humour in this film, especially when compared to some of the later Hammer films. One possibly unintentionally funny moment comes after Van Helsing has been listening to a wax cylinder recording of himself talking about vampires. A servant comes into the room to relay some information, then says that he thought he could hear voices, to which Van Helsing replies, as if it was a perfectly reasonable explanation, 'Of course you did- I was talking to myself!' Sadly this exchange happens to be one of the most memorable moments of the film. Still, it was better than the Francis Ford Coppola version.

* * * This review contains spoilers * * *ShowHide

[Highly rated reviewer]

can`t believe some of these reviews!

Reading some of these reviews it`s obvvious that some people don`t know anything about the history of Hammer films or the context with witch they were made. They were, especially the earlier ones, made on a shoestring budget and to save money they were made back to back using the same sets. Which is why you might recognise the Dracula set with the Frankenstein set. But what the Hammer films lacked in production values they more than made up for in plot and atmosphere. They also cast young directors who were keen to make a name for themselves and pushed back the boundaries of the horror genre.

Cristopher Lee`s Dracula was the first count to introduce romance/sex into the roll and this struck a chord with many a bored housewife. Also, although set in the 19th century, the films had a contemporary feel to them, which made the films even scarier because it took out the fantasist element and laid the horror at your door. Of course once Hollywood cottened on it spelled the death knell for Hammer. There was no way they could compete with lavish productions such as 'the exorcist.' However to be fair to Hollywood they do acknowledge the importance of Hammer. Tim Burton for example cast Cristopher Lee in his 'Sleepy Hollow' movie as a tribute to the British Horror studios. So please don`t dismiss these films so readily. If it weren`t for the likes of this film you wouldn`t have had a 'Friday 13th' or a 'Nightmare on Elm Street' or any other big Hollywood bloodbath.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Arise Sir Dracula....its long overdue.

If you read my review on Hammers Devil Rides Out....then you'll know I am a long standing Christopher Lee fan....I as a kid growing up thru the 60's and 70's adored all Hammer Horror films, not only because they were stylish, atmospheric and real class A movies,but because you have the likes of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing giving you the acting of their lives.

And now today 13/06/09 we have at last recognition for one of horrors greatest ever, Sir Christopher Lee, 87 years old and still acting. In my opinion, one of the most long overdue knighthoods that should have been given at least 20 yrs ago and I may say that his arch rival in many horror films Peter Cushing deserved a knighthood as well,even though its way too late for Peter Cushing, it would recognise the fact that Hammer horror films and the actors that played those most pivotal roles, was a very special era for us that grew up with Hammer.

So congratulations to Sir Christopher Lee, it is richly deserved...:-)..Sorry this is not really a review about Dracula...but give me time and I will.

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.