HORROR OF DRACULA (1958)

Yet another Hammer production.................

Christopher Lee's first turn as the count can, in some ways be compared to the 1931 Universal film. Most notably because in several areas, the film is quite dull. However it seems to be praised more highly than the 1931 film. I can't figure out exactly why. The movie really picks up towards the ending where it gains many of it's marks. It's a little bit better than all the other Hammer Dracula films I've seen, even if it is far lighter in tone (especially when compared to the ultra-violent Scars of Dracula).

As usual, atmosphere is a key element in the film, and there is no shortage of that. It's another movie that delivers the goods in the right area. Lee as Dracula, has more to say and do in this film than in any of the other Hammer films, which is of course a bonus. Peter Cushing is a determined Van Helsing, just as good as Edward Van Sloan's original. I think it may be the first film to show Dracula having vampiric female brides at his Transylvanian retreat.

The film was originally just called Dracula in the UK, but was retitled HORROR OF DRACULA for the U.S release. When first released the film caused quite a stir with British critics but is relatively tame by today's standards. Anyway, if you want to see more good Dracula movies, you could do a lot worse, like Dracula 2000. So give this one a go. It was worth the $7 for me. THREE AND A HALF STARS OUT OF FIVE.