Horror of Dracula (1958)



Horror of Dracula (1958)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051554/?ref_=nv_sr_1

After Jonathan Harker attacks Dracula at his castle (apparently somewhere in Germany), the vampire travels to a nearby city, where he preys on the family of Harker's fiancée. The only one who may be able to protect them is Dr. van Helsing, Harker's friend and fellow-student of vampires, who is determined to destroy Dracula, whatever the cost. Written by Anonymous

Personal Review: Classic, classic, classic. Hammer at its best.  Dracula with bloody fangs, vampires staked and bloody and one sensual Dracula who is a deadly predator in a flash.  Christopher Lee cemented the role as his, all subsequent actors get compared to him and Bela Lugosi.  6’5” with regal bearing and a “foreign” look – he was perfect.  Throw in the voice and women (and probably a number of men) melted. 

The other Master – Peter Cushing as Dr. Van Helsing.  A vampire hunter, a doctor of parapsychology….. he makes it believable.  Who else could slay Dracula with candlesticks?  I think this is the Van Helsing that everyone thinks of first (credit to Edward van Sloan for originating the role in Dracula 1931).  Thank goodness the deleted version of the final conflict between Van Helsing and Dracula has been restored!

Solid performances by Michael Gough, Melissa Stribling, Carol Marsh, Olga Dickie, John Van Eyssen, Valerie Gaunt (what a name!) round out the technicolor horror that helped launch Hammer firmly into the monster business.





















































































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