Review of Dracula (1958) by Dave C — 30 Oct 2013

A triumph of style over substance. Stoker's original story is present in some form, but it's the cliff's notes. The true majesty of the film is a result of its two leads, Peter Cushing who admirably throws himself into a role many would consider throwaway - his Van Helsing is powerful, charismatic and excellent. For him, exposition is a means to victory over the enemy, not an obstacle that must be overcome. Lee as the titular character is suitably charming and haunting, but in an animalistic, nigh-Satanic way that is probably less faithful to Stoker's creation than Bela Lugosi's earlier efforts, but is nonetheless more exciting, more thrilling, more actually scary.

Together with the lavish set-design, the creepy atmosphere and the genuine spookiness, 'Horror' is a Halloween treat. Essentially unmissable for fans of classic monster-mash horror.