It was 60 years ago this day that Hammer Studio's "Dracula" opened in the U.S. under the title, "Horror of Dracula".
Directed by the talented Terence Fisher and adapted by the innovative Jimmy Sangster, the film gave us the first appearances of Christopher Lee as the bloodthirsty Count and Peter Cushing as the resourceful Dr. Van Helsing.
"Horror of Dracula" is considered one of the most respected versions of Bram Stoker's classic novel, as well as one of the most influential horror films ever made. If you haven't seen it, treat yourself immediately; if you haven't watched it in a spell, you're shamefully overdue.
The cast of "Horror of..." is marvelous on the whole, which in addition to Lee and Cushing (reuniting after the groundbreaking "Curse of Frankenstein")includes Michael Gough and Valerie Gaunt. She'd set the pace for Hammer gals to come.
ReplyDeleteIt also offers a memorable score by James Bernard, stunning cinematography by Jack Asher and classy set designs by Bernard Robinson.
It's a low budget production, but when absorbing its lushness, one would never know unless told: a remarkable achievement in Gothic horror.
My son and I watched the movie last night. We enjoyed it very much! We also recommend Curse of Frankenstein...excellent retelling!
ReplyDeleteFisher/Sangster's "Curse..." is a stunning film: significant for its unique and lurid approach to Shelley's mythos. Like "Horror", it is most influential. (Just look at "Andy Warhol's Flesh for Frankenstein"; "Curse'"s fingerprints are all over it.) Without "Curse", Hammer wouldn't have tackled Drac, Kharis...the Phantom. It also set forth all those wondrous, Lee/Cushing team-ups.
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