Review of Dracula (1958) by Carl M — 31 Jan 2013

Following the overwhelming success of their first Gothic Horror revival, THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, Hammer Films quickly moved on to their own bloody retelling of the Bram Stoker classic, Dracula, known internationally as the HORROR OF DRACULA.

In this version, Doctor Van Helsing is left to defend the Holmwood family from the virulent Count Dracula after his associate, Jonathan Harker, falls victim to the vampire's wrath. While the characters and events differ greatly from the original novel, Hammer has placed their own unmistakable stamp on the horror legend.

Having only appeared briefly in THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN as the abominable, Christopher Lee received his breakthrough role in HORROR OF DRACULA as the titular Count. Lee embodies Dracula's more eloquent and aristocratic mannerisms in the film's opening before transforming into the ferocious beast of a man that would dominate the remaining sequels.

Peter Cushing, on the other hand, had already solidified his standing in the genre with his phenomenal portrayal of the twisted Doctor Frankenstein the previous year, but here, he also establishes himself as the definitive Doctor Van Helsing in another impeccable performance.

In true Hammer style, HORROR OF DRACULA displays a heightened sense of sexuality that goes hand in hand with the increased gore, shocking audiences with a generous dose of crimson blood along with the film's horrifying finale.

Terence Fisher roams every inch of Bernard Robinson's lavish sets, instilling a constant sense of dread as he traipses through the misty graveyards and imposing castle walls. HORROR OF DRACULA is as equally responsible for establishing the dark Gothic resurgence of the late 1950's as THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, and serves as a vital piece of cinematic history within the annals of Horror.