Main Cast: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Melissa Stribling, Michael Gough, Carol Marsh
Release Year: 1958
Country: UK
Run Time: 82 minutes
Plot
This Hammer Studios classic is far closer to the letter (and spirit) of the Bram Stoker novel than the Bela Lugosi version of Dracula. The premise finds the infamous count journeying from his native Transylvania to England, where he takes a headfirst plunge into the London nightlife, and begins to rack up victim after victim. In the process, Dracula also runs into his arch-nemesis, Van Helsing (Peter Cushing), which ignites a battle of wills between the two. Heavily censored in Britain when released (with the goriest moments truncated), this outing was restored by the BFI in the mid-late 2000s. It put Lee and Cushing on the map and paved the way for many sequels starring the two, and for many non-Dracula follow-ups with these actors as well. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
With so many mediocre vampire films, the few which are truly excellent often get lost in the static. Terence Fisher's 1958 Dracula is easily one of the best, and it proves just how important good writing, acting and directing can be in a time-tested genre. The performances are stellar: Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee make their respective roles of Dr. Van Helsing and the Count uniquely their own. Screenwriter Jimmy Sangster's condenses Bram Stoker's novel, shifting most events to Dracula's castle and sharpening the material's dialogue and pacing. Appropriately atmospheric and dark, the film adds enough touches of humor and sexuality to update the tale's heretofore staid feel. Fisher's Dracula is a must-see not just for devotees of modern horror but also for fans of good storytelling in general. ~ Matthew Doberman, All Movie Guide
John Van Eyssen - Jonathan Harker; Miles Malleson - Marx, the Undertaker; Valerie Gaunt - Vampire Woman; Barbara Archer - Inga; Geoffrey Bayldon - Porter; George Benson - Frontier Official; Olga Dickie - Gerda; Janina Faye - Tania; Charles Lloyd Pack - Dr. Seward; George Merritt - Policeman; George Woodbridge - Landlord; Paul Cole; Humphrey Kent; Judith Nelmes; William Sherwood
Credit
Bernard Robinson - Art Director, Molly Arbuthnot - Costume Designer, Terence Fisher - Director, Bill Lenny - Editor, James Needs - Editor, James Bernard - Composer (Music Score), John Hollingsworth - Musical Direction/Supervision, Jack Asher - Cinematographer, Anthony Hinds - Producer, Jimmy Sangster - Screenwriter, Bram Stoker - Book Author
