This is without a doubt one of the best or shall I say its considered to be Hammer's finest horror film. A film that departs from its original source and is somewhat re-invented and told in a differ take. So it was due to Universal threatning to sue Hammer if they were to ever produce anything remotely similar to what Universal owned the rights too. So studio execs over at Hammer Films decided to write scripts that had a 'fresh' and differ version or take on the classical monsters and some new ones too!
Many consider this film to be the true deciding factor in both Cushing's and Lee's careers as titans of classic horror films, as well the career of director Terence Fisher and the studio itself. Alot was at stake when this film came out.
It is a gothic, moody and shocking take on the Prince of Darkness, with some fine sets and a well-paced script.
Did You Know?
Director Fisher had nightmares during the filming of Dracula (which is its original title, at least in the U.K.), his wife had mentioned that Terry would toss and turn and wake up screaming, not recalling what had him in such utter terror. But later Fisher could recall what gave him nightmares, the idea of the Count scaling from the wall, like a bat and clawing at his window, trying to get in!!!
Originally actor Christopher Lee was not the first choice to play the Count. Also actor Cushing was offered the role of Dracula but turned it down. In fact, Vincent Price was offered the role at one time.
To this day Dracula (aka Horror Of Dracula) remains as one of the best money making films Hammer had ever produce.
There are rumors that there is a differ version of this film, with cut scenes of Harker being staked and his face and body turning to wrinkled dust. There is also lost scenes of the Count torturing his Bride and Harker wandering the castle. There is also a original cut scene of the final climax with Van Helsing and Dracula, as the the Count slowly dies in the sun. Its said that the BBFC cut those scenes and at one time a import Japanese LaserDisc had these scenes restored! There are more that I can't recall but there were plenty of more cut scenes I assure you...
For me this is one of my all-time favorites of classic horror.
Horror Of Dracula
Horror Of Dracula
I have the Hammer Horror DVD set with this movie. I loved the British films, they were so hammy. Check out The Vampire Lovers.
Horror Of Dracula
I have seen this movie so many times that I know some of the lines by heart. I actually find it to be a better movie that the Universal Bela Lugosi version. Christopher Lee was the perfct actor for that role. I don't think that Vincent Price would have fit into that role as well.
Horror Of Dracula
Horror Of Dracula
Yes I do know...did you know? The original title(s) to this sequel is The Disciples Of Dracula, Dracula II, The Revenge Of Dracula just too name a few. But the producers favored a more simple title, even though the films title has nothing to do with the film itself.
The original ending was to have Van helsing summon hundreds of bats to swoop in on Baron Meinster and kill him! But it never made it, instead it was used in another Hammer film, The Kiss Of The Vampire.
Horror Of Dracula
Horror Of Dracula
This was the best of the Hammer Films. I loved this film. The sound effects when they pound the stake is so effective.
Horror Of Dracula
i was probably 6 or 7 yrs. old when this movie was shown on fright night when i was a kid i remeber just being in awe when peter cushing killed dracula with 2 candle stick holders and watching him wither away
it was scary and awesome
Horror Of Dracula
Been one of my favs for a long time.
I could watch this everyday.
Horror Of Dracula
Hammer did have some of the best Dracula type movies.
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