Review of The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973) by Aaron A — 13 Jun 2009
Hammer decided to bring its Dracula series into the 'modern' era (the early 1970s) in responce to the success that AIP had with its 'Count Yorga' series and the excellent THE NIGHT STALKER TVM.
This film follows DRACULA AD 1972 and is a bit better than that film was. Peter Cushing is on hand as the modern day descendant of Drac's old 19th Century nemesis, Van Helsing. A British intelligence agency (MI-5? MI-6?) has been spying on a satanic cult whose members include some of the richest and most powerful men in Great Britain.
The cult is led by a mysterious reclusive billionaire (gee, I wonder who he could be?) and is developing a biological weapon. Through an intermediary with New Scotland Yard, the intelligence agency consults with Van Helsing about the occult aspects of the investigation and soon our hero realizes that Dracula has somehow been ressurected again.
By this time, Christopher Lee was obviously getting tired of playing Dracula but gives it the old "college try." When Van Helsing confronts him in his office HQ, Lee (in the shadows) initially responds in a heavily accented voice that sounds like Bela Lugosi.
Its a nice moment. Dracula has a bevy of buxom vampire brides at his beck and call and has a mmotorcycle gang on retainer to menace our protaganists (and guard his property) during the day. Joanna Lumley, with her hair died red, takes on the role of Van Helsing's daughter.
Better than the last outing in this series, it was hardly the "Swan Song" that Lee deserved.
This review of The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973) was written by Aaron A on 13 Jun 2009.
The Satanic Rites of Dracula has generally received mixed reviews.
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