Dracula, Prince of Darkness (1966)

 

It might be strange to say that a film that barely features the titular vampire and doesn't even have him utter a single line would be successful in creating a foreboding and creepy atmosphere, yet this is exactly what happens in this installment of Hammer's franchise. The fact that Christopher Lee can emote more by a single look or stare than some people with lines upon lines of dialogue speaks volumes.

Of course, films like this will always appeal more to fans of the genre and aficionados of Hammer's work, obviously.

In the area near Carlsbad, four decidedly British tourists are on a sightseeing tour. The villagers are still incredibly superstitious and fearful and warn against going there and even a rough-around-the-edges monk tells our foursome to steer clear of the castle there. However, when they are dumped close to said castle, a carriage shows up and takes them there.

Here they are awaited by a creepy housekeeper by the name of Klove, who gives them all a room and food, yet looks about as trustworthy as a rusty nail waiting to knife its way into your foot. This turns out to be the case when he lures one of the tourists down below, slits his throat and then proceeds to resurrect Dracula in a scene that is pretty gosh darn cool. 

The rest of the film is basically Dracula hunting our remaining tourists and then one of them teaming up with the burly monk from the start to take down Dracula once more. Which also happens, but not in a way one would expect.

In fact, it is a little silly.

But still, silliness aside, this is another solid Dracula-film with characters that stand out (especially the monk is an absolute joy) and Christopher Lee showing more menace and personality than most actors could muster during a lifetime. Oh, and the sets and colourschemes are beautiful to look at, even if you have to take into account the pretty dreadful day-for-night photography. 

Is it at times a little campy and a little over the top? Absolutely, but that is part of its charm. And there's something to be said for the dedicated Britishness of these productions that will always make them feel more classy than American versions. 

Yes, it's the language. 

Fans of Christopher Lee take note, even if you need more Lee for a bigger fix. But you can't really go wrong with Hammer films in general.