Horror of Dracula
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Movie Reviews of Horror of Dracula
Movie Review: Hammer's Horror of Dracula...a film we can all savor!
Summary: 5 Stars
This film represented the very best of the British based Hammer Studio's many horror productions and led to the coining of the term "Hammer Horrors" which generations of moviegoers came to know as providing unique gothic and stylish renditions of classic horror in deep and vigorous colors. It reintroduced the character of Count Dracula to the baby boomers and subsequent generations. As opposed to Bela Lugosi's stagy, static, and fangless Dracula, we now see the Count as a dynamic and muscular force with a remarkable display of canine fangs as never before seen on the screen (with the sole exception of the classic German silent movie titled Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, which showed Orlok/Dracula with rat-like teeth).
Christopher Lee was a forceful presence as the vampire noble man. Peter Cushing was truly great in his performance as the Count's nemesis, Dr. Van Helsing. This represented the second pairing of Cushing and Lee, the first being in Hammer's Curse of Frankenstein. The teaming of these two actors was a truly fortuitous one for Hammer, the actors, and for the fans of classic horror genre films. No other pairing was comparable with the possible exception of Lugosi and Boris Karloff.
The opening scene showing the spilling of blood on Dracula's tomb nameplate was a true shocker at the time it was first seen in the movie theater. The subsequent scene with Dracula angrily rushing through a door with furious red veined eyes and blood dripping from his open fanged mouth, after the vampire woman bit Jonathan Harker, was absolutely frightening. Finally, we have that breathtaking ending with Van Helsing leaping on the table and ripping down the curtains to let in sunlight to turn Dracula into dust. Those scenes, tied into the story, presents a cinematic experience which remains with us to this day.
Horror of Dracula certainly set the tenor for all subsequent vampire films by having their glorious and gory cinematic moments shown in beautifully rendered Technicolor, thanks to the mastery of technician Jack Asher, rather than in traditional black and white. The story, developed by scriptwriter Jimmy Sangster, was presented in a tightly woven manner which helped to assure that the dialogue and scenes would move along smoothly. This film was as much a masterpiece of Director Terence Fisher as it was for Cushing and Lee. Director Fisher clearly had the skills to make all the elements in the film click together to create a thrilling spectacle which continues to amaze us. However, we must acknowledge that without the compelling acting skills provided by Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, we would never see the Horror of Dracula which we are so fortunate to have with us now. Both Cushing and Lee have complemented each other to a very high degree. It might be said that they represented their separate roles as the yin and yang of a paired being. In other words, we could easily look at the roles of Van Helsing and Dracula as being two sides of the same coin. One side representing a being of great power and evil and the other side showing a person of high intelligence, true integrity and fearlessness fighting on the side of the good. For this reason, it was natural to find Van Helsing and Dracula going against each other as they did. It is very difficult to imagine any other actors taking on the roles of those two protagonists as did Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.
It is my hope that Warner Brothers will do a special edition of this film and give it the extras needed, including commentaries from horror film historians, background information about Hammer and its making of Horror of Dracula, plus interviews with those involved with the making of the film including Christopher Lee. In the meantime, one cannot do wrong with obtaining this DVD at such a reasonable price and view the finest film ever about Count Dracula and his reign of terror.
Movie Review: Special Features? A Loss To Film. A Letter To Warner
Summary: 5 Stars
Special Features? A Travesty!A letter to Warner from a film buff and a plea to Directors Martin Scorsese and John Carpenter.Generally, I'm in total agreement with the many fine reviews listed here, and I need to add two important caveats... Firstly, where are the interviews, film stills, lobby posters, not to mention commentary tracks and possibly isolated music track?!?
Secondly, with such a fine print, why is the colour balance slightly off, especially noticeable in the red-orange bias of the colour of blood? (Warner got it right with their DVD release of The Curse of Frankenstein and their VHS release of Dracula; why not here?)
Lack of Special Features: Horror of Dracula is considered to be one of the finest examples of British filmmaking as opinioned by Phil Hardy (editor of the Aurum Film Encyclopedia) and other film historians. It is reported by Christopher Lee to have single-handedly saved Universal Pictures from bankruptcy in 1958. It has a great worldwide following of filmgoers including directors, John Carpenter and Martin Scorsese.
The DVD of a film of this stature deserves a complete roster of special features! Warner, you own the exclusive rights to this classic (as told to me by a Hammer Films executive)... so where are they?!?
Actor Christopher Lee (Saruman from "Lord of the Rings") has many personal stories about this epoch making classic and I believe would jump at a chance to share them with film buffs worldwide in an in-depth DVD interview. (He did so with the DVD release of Hammer's lesser (relatively speaking) "Hound of the Baskervilles" on MGM DVD.) Lee's story of attending the New York premier of Dracula with fellow actor and good friend, the late Peter Cushing is fabulous and should be preserved on DVD for all to experience! Let's see and hear more touching anecdotes about the personal and professional relationship between two of the greatest acting duos in film history. (The conclusion of Lee's interview on the Baskervilles" DVD is very moving wherein he shows us how much he misses his friend and colleague, Peter Cushing. I want to see more of the heart of this powerful actor in current DVD interviews! (and movies!!!) This actor is capable of playing more than just great villains! What better movie than the one that put him "on the map"!
Composer James Bernard, who wrote the powerful and evocative music to Dracula would also have much to say about writing this classic score, and about the special demands of writing quickly for Hammer. This music was truly ahead of its time in taking seriously and respecting its subject matter!
Screenwriter, Jimmy Sangster has much to say about his fascinating formative days at Hammer and has done so in his books, but I would like to see him do it in an in-depth interview on DVD! For example, film enthusiasts would love to see him tell his story about what he did with the original Dracula script! (Second guessing fame is ironic!)
1958 is quite a ways off in time; sadly we will never have a current interview with Peter Cushing or director Terence Fisher on DVD... the point here is that time is of the essence with these talented people! Through Warner's apathetic approach to its release of this classic film, film buffs and film enthusiasts may never get to hear and see the insights and reminiscences of the original crew to this unique British masterpiece! This is living film history! Don't wait too long to correct this injustice to the world of film, Warner! You might not be able to...!!! I'm looking forward to the Special Edition of Horror of Dracula!!!!
A plea to filmmakers Martin Scorsese and John Carpenter... Please use your position to work with Warner to rectify an impending lost to the world film community!
Movie Review: Rates right up with NOSFERATU and Bela Lugosi's DRACULA!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
The late 1950s were a historical significance to the Horror Genre, being the first to introduce Gothic Horror in splendid technicolor. With the release of THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN in 1957, it seemed only logical to follow with an adaptation of the DRACULA legend - and this, the first of many feature films, passes in flying colors.From the opening credits to the ending, James Bernard's haunting music score sends a chilling fear to the audience symbolizing a sense of cruelty and authority from Count Dracula, juxtaposing Christopher Lee's tigerish sensual interpretation. In a clever first opening before the first fade in, a close-up of Dracula's coffin is visible and smear of blood forms a crucifix.
WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
Unlike Bela Lugosi's 1931 film, it follows Bram Stoker's novel more closely. Jonathan Harker adjourns to Castle Dracula, posing as a librarian, to destroy the Count. He is warned off by superstitious peasants and secretly keeps a diary of everything that he encounters. He soon gets more than he bargained for when Dracula and his Vampiress trap him, and lure him to be one of them. His attempts to destroy the Count are in vain. Enter Peter Cushing (after a thoroughly evil performance as Baron Frankenstein) as the brave and heroic Professor Van Helsing, who releases Jonathan from his spell too late. When he passes the news to Arthur Holmwood (a young Michael Gough), and his wife Mina (Melissa Stribling), and an ailing Lucy (Carol Marsh) matters become more complicated. Another deviation in the novel Lucy is Arthur's ailing wife, and Mina is Jonathan's fiancee. When Lucy perishes, Arthur is convinced to aid Van Helsing in his quest.
Like THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN before it the film is rich in technicolor and graphic with violent close-ups of vampires being staked to death, or victims being bitten in the jugular. Likewise, the performances are splendid, and the action is fast-paced and unrelenting. You are guaranteed to be kept at the edge of your seat!
There are chilling moments a plenty, consisting of Dracula's rising from his coffin echoing Max Schreck's infamous scenes in NOSFERATU. Even more convincing is Christopher Lee having precisely the right look and physique for the role. Tall, suave, handsome, and athletic. Unlike Max Schreck's ratlike figure or Bela Lugosi's aristocratic charmer, or John Carradine's Shakespearen flair, - Christopher Lee provides the perfect characterization and would return in 1966's DRACULA, PRINCE OF DARKNESS and several later films to follow. Now in his 80s, he is still a rising star off the recent success of STAR WARS EPISODE 2 and the LORD OF THE RINGS films. He was memorable as the villain in the 1974 James Bond classic THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN. He also provides a definite precursor to come when Dracula would be portrayed later by such actors as Louis Jourdan, Jack Palance, Frank Langella, and Gary Oldman. Let's not forget Udo Kier in BLOOD FOR DRACULA.
I can't say enough without spoiling - any true-blooded Horror Fan MUST buy this - YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO LOVE IT! Terence Fisher's very best film to date!
Movie Review: 'The Terrifying Lover Who Died Yet Lived !'
Summary: 5 Stars
Along with 'the Wicker Man' this is the finest British thriller ever made.
A big accolade but one it deserves. It made me jump out of my seat as a child; the scene where Christopher Lee bursts in and starts throwing luscious Valerie Gaunt around.
Despite my mother having histrionics, and warning me not to tell my teachers that I'd been up late watching horror movies, it set me up for a lifetime of wonderful (and occasionally vile) film experiences. Whether you're a horror fan or not, this is a cracking, lightning-paced, sexy, gothic joy-ride.
The plot is bare-basic (and is detailed elsewhere) so 'Dracula' relies on atmosphere, beautiful visuals and superb acting, particularly Peter Cushing, who despite delayed entrance into the action, is completely believable as the single-minded vampire nemesis Van Helsing.
I read somewhere that Cushing had, in the writers opinion, 'an elegant, yet soulful screen presence'. I'm in agreement. He holds the attention totally when he's on screen, similar with Lee but for different reasons. While Cushing is a better actor, Lee makes an unforgettable impression, and looks genuinely other-worldly.
The music track is sensational. James Bernard. One of 'scores'(sorry!) he did for Hammer during a rewarding (for us!) 20 (another score! Sorry again.) year association with them, and there's not many better than this one. Surprisingly subtle at times, but lets rip with that familiar and startling theme when needs demand.
Quality scenes tumble over themselves; most memorable, and disturbing for me are the ones in the windy, leafy cemetery, where one of Count Lee's female victims, resurrected as an undead, attempts to seduce a child into the joys of vampirism. The tension is at breaking point until a timely intervention by Dr Van Cushing saves the day.
Director Terence Fisher was on dangerous ground here, albeit implicating rather than visualizing, and doesn't it tell you plenty about the mind set of Trevelyan and his minions down at the censors board, who apparently missed the suggestive nature of these scenes, preferring to concentrate on stakings and other such trivialities.
Perhaps it was the fact that the child was a girl that foxed them. Same sex and all that (well it was the 50's!).
The ending too is spectacular. A literal reading of the Church's final funeral rites, set to a pounding music and acted out to perfection by two of dear old Blighty's finest. Awesome. Once seen, never forgotten.
Despite being reviled on release for it's sex and violence, nowadays, 'Dracula' is perfect family entertainment of the rainy, Sunday afternoon variety. (After you've been to church of course, can't be too careful!) And don't forget to look out for the comedy-actor colossus, Miles Malleson who sparkles as a bumbling undertaker.
They certainly don't (and have no interest in trying to..) make 'em like this anymore - so treasure this one.
Movie Review: Mixed Thanks To Warner Brothers
Summary: 5 Stars
I've changed my opinion of this product, after a second viewing.I thank Warner Bros. for releasing Horror of Dracula on DVD. It's about time. Those of us hungry for Hammer Horror films have been waiting for this for a long time. And we wait with baited breath for the other titles liscensed to Warners.
This is generally thought of as the closest film version of Bram Stoker's original novel. Though it does not follow the novel by the letter, it keeps the spirit of the novel, and adds some heroic flavor that was much needed since the Univeral version released some thirty-five years before. Warner has released it in anamorphic widescreen, and in stereo. I don't think "Horror" has ever looked this good on any previous release. I do think it's a shame that Warner did the bare minimum of extras. They still don't seem to appreciate the money making potential of Hammer Horror film fans world-wide. I don't know why the early-on announced collaboration with Christopher Lee didn't pan out, perhaps he was too busy. These days he's been in the public eye more than I can recall in decades.
The extras are as close to non-existant as possible without being invisible. What is offered is barely more than rehashed, already known trivia to the Hammer Horror fan, and more than likely to the general public who's ever happened across an article about Hammer Studios. And apparently, whomever was put in charge of the dvd cover art, didn't do the research before putting together the art for the back cover (they made the same mistake for the newly released "Curse of Frankenstein", which sports a scene from "The Mummy" on the back cover), which includes a scene from another Hammer Horror film that is most definately not "Horror of Dracula". I suppose that's nit-picking.
The truly unfortunate thing is, I like Warner Bros. They've given us tons of wonderful films over the decades; anything from dark mystery films with Bogart to way out sci-fi adventures such as Outland or THEM. But many of us who study film, and have grown up loving certain themes and stories presented in films, such as the good against evil portrayed in films like "Horror of Dracula", are willing and waiting to hand over money for a wonderful product meant for us. It's just taking so long for them to understand this.
There was a wonderful opportunity here for a satisfying exhange between provider (Warners) and consumer (the fans, us), that somehow got a little muddled.
Still, to have this movie in it's original widescreen format, from a source print that is definately better than any previous release, makes it a must buy. I don't think you'll be disappointed. And once again, with a huge company like Warner Bros., money talks. If sales for this release do well, we may see some of the other Hammer titles they hold, like "Taste the Blood of Dracula", or "Dracula Has Risen From the Grave".