Dracula (1958)

 

'Dracula' or 'The Horror of Dracula' depending on which country you can find it in, is one of those classic reimaginings by the renowned British Hammer Studios. They actually struck gold in reworking most of the classic Universal monsters, not only because they brought them all to vivid Technicolor goodness but also because they usually had most excellent lead performers. I mean: people like Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing or Michael Gough are no slouches. And while it's true that not all the studios' output is excellent, there are definitely gems to be found ansd this one is probably one of the better ones. 

Taking quite a bit of liberty with the source material, the action is placed somewhere in Germany by all accounts. Jonathan Harker is hired to be Count Dracula's new librarian, but Harker is there on alterior motives, as he is all too aware of the fact that Dracula is a vampire and wants to destroy him. However, this plan backfires horrendously and it is Harker's friend professor Van Helsing, who now has to take up the mantle in order to destroy this evil. 

But Dracula isn't finished, oh no. He decides to absolutely ravage the Harker and Holmwood household by first preying on Harker's fiancée Lucy and then on Mina Holmwood. 

Yes, they switched the names around. No, it doesn't really matter.

So Lord Holmwood and Van Helsing team up in order to stop the nefarious count and rid the world of his evil for once and for all.

Well, considering how many times Dracula would return in sequels, I'd say their idea was optimistic at best, but franchises gotta franchise.

This one is an absolute blast. Christopher Lee has a very commanding presence as Dracula and even though he isn't in the film very often, you will remember him. This is also the film where he probably has the most lines, believe it or not. Peter Cushing is excellent as the unassuming yet determined Van Helsing and Michael Gough also hits hard. The ladies are beautiful and a little sexier than most people were accustomed to, but according to modern standards this is still rather tame, of course. 

And then there's the vibrant colour! When blood spurts, it is a vivid crimson red and it does make a lot of what was merely suggested before clear as day: bitemarks, blood dripping from elongated fangs, sexy kisses and of course the destruction of the Count, who turns to ashes in gruesome fashion.

It's great stuff.

Of course, this is mostly if you enjoy classic monsterfilms and especially vampires, but watching Lee and Cushing at the top of their game is always a joy.