Jonathan Harker takes employment with Count Dracula, ostensibly to catalogue his vast library. Harker is shocked to uncover a woman who claims to be a prisoner of the Count and begs for his help. Before he can do so, however, Harker suffers the risen Count's wrath. Dracula, seeking more blood and vengeance, takes an interest in Harker's fiancée, Lucy Holmwood. It is left to Harker's colleague, Dr. Van Helsing to protect her. Also known as Horror of Dracula, this film would mark the first in a long line of Hammer Horror films to delve into the character of the most popular vampire ever known, Count Dracula. After ascertaining the rights to the use of the character, whose biggest depiction was in the renowned Dracula (1931), we finally got to see a retelling in the Hammer style, which opened the gateway to more frights, violence and blood. Whilst making some minor alterations to Stoker's marvellous story we are still treated to one of the finest depictions of the classic tale of all time that still manages to stand the test of time. It equally continues to hold a firm fixture in pop culture history and is highly regarded in the likes of film, Hammer Horror's illustrious catalogue, the horror genre and by moviegoers alike to this day. Taking the reins of this quintessential Dracula is none other than the grand actor Christopher Lee. Every feature and aspect of his portrayal makes the character all the more perfect. From his imposing height and presence to his ability to be so gentlemanly one minute before degrading into a hungry beast with bloodshot eyes and fangs the next. His take on the character is so impactful that whenever I think of Dracula, Lee is never far from my mind, and to think he only had thirteen lines. His counterpart to the story and rival, Dr. Van Helsing is equally highly regarded much like the actor playing him, Peter Cushing. It is well known Cushing and Lee have a fascinating friendship and their involvement in projects together is truly vast, especially with Hammer's Horror films. Cushing is a perfect counter as he embodies that of righteousness, doing all that is necessary for his fight against Dracula and his spawn. It is Helsing's arrival that brings us closer to the downfall of Dracula becoming personal for him with his friend Harker gone and his bride-to-be, Lucy, becoming a target. Helsing attempts to enlist help from Lucy's brother, Arthur, in this fight but to no avail. It's not until the effects upon Lucy become clear and a similar situation befalls his wife, Mina that he aids Helsing in his task. One of my favourite aspects of this film was seeing this team up as they eventually come to an understanding, working together as a formidable force against this evil. We also, get to see Helsing's extensive knowledge of dealing with vampirism throughout from the use of garlic to the cross and staking of the heart, which is given a full sequence that displays a whole plethora of emotions and is exceptionally executed. However, the moment everyone is naturally waiting for is the inevitable climactic fight between Dracula and Helsing. Let's just say, it is phenomenal. Their duel is honestly the highlight, filled with such tense and suspenseful moments that culminate in Dracula's brute force and Helsing's ingenuity. Plus the effects that follow are truly spectacular and remain as impressive now as they were then. One other aspect of this stupendous film was the exquisite set design that held as much presence as the actors featured in them, especially lending to the tones of certain scenes. Dracula's castle has never looked more extravagant and the same can be said for all the other settings. Overall, I regard this depiction to be the definitive version of the classic tale in every sense. Not a single beat is missed from the fantastic casting to the setting and tones, accompanied by a haunting score and viscerally pleasing direction. It is without a doubt one I recommend to all moviegoers and horror enthusiasts with a love for the Count, especially for the franchise it heralded. Also, a big thank you to my Dad for introducing me to this impressive line-up. Check out the sequel Brides of Dracula (1960) for Cushing's Helsing on a new mission, or for Lee's return, continue with Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966).
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