Review of Dracula (1958) by David M — 31 Oct 2014
The first of six Hammer Dracula films and probably the best. There are probably one or two other Hammer Horror films I like better ("The Devil Rides Out" is the only one that comes to mind right now and "Quartermass and the Pit," "Castle of the Living Dead" or "Vampire Circus" are probably on parr), but this is certainly among the best of Hammer's horror offerings.
This film follows the original Bram Stoker story for the most part, but what I think sets this film apart from previous Dracula incarnations is that Dracula is more of a visceral and violent, frightening monster and is not the romantic suave Bela Lugosi incarnation.
Even the Max Schreck incarnation in "Nosferatu," though monstrous looking was not a bloody or savage a creature as Christopher Lee's Dracula. Director Terence Fisher pours on the atmosphere and blood in equal portions.
Peter Cushing is also fine as the vampire hunter Doctor Van Helsing as is the flimsier by Hammer's regular composer James Bernard.
This review of Dracula (1958) was written by David M on 31 Oct 2014.
Dracula has generally received positive reviews.
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