London has become a small town for a handful of jaded psychedelic-era hipsters. Except, Johhny Alucard has a groovy new way for his pals to get their kicks. A particular ritual will be the living end, he insists, but little do they know how deadly serious he is. Whilst the act comes to fruition, the now resurrected Dracula must still face the descendant of his archnemesis, Van Helsing. Whilst a sequel to Scars of Dracula (1970), it equally chose to depart from the rest of the series, starting a fresh in probably the most ... unique way. Dracula A.D. 1972 decided to do something new and, in doing so, departed from its Gothic period settings in favour of bringing this ancient evil to the realms of today, modernising the series. The period aspect had always been at these film's core but even this production couldn't totally cast it aside. The film opens with a climactic confrontation between Lawrence Van Helsing and Dracula in 1872 aboard a moving coach, travelling at high speeds. Their animalistic fight is a gripping opening to the picture displaying Helsing's triumph over his sworn enemy before his ultimate demise. However, a follower of the Count collects the ashes for safekeeping. This introduction is absolutely fantastic, instantly pumping you with adrenaline before the title card has even been played. I further adored the transition from the 19th Century setting being panned up to the sky as funky music blares out with a plane crossing the screen, transporting us to 1972. That adrenaline is carried on through the entire sequence by this killer soundtrack that has the grooviest theme in any Dracula film! The soundtrack is a tremendous highlight and one I can honestly say is worth owning. Mike Vicker's composed theme alone is a stand-out track and one that's permanently stuck in my head. Viewers will be quick to notice the reprisal of actor Peter Cushing as Van Helsing or rather, both versions as he plays Lawrence during the opening and his descendant, Lorrimer, our main protagonist. I loved the return of Cushing to this franchise after all, his last appearance with Christopher Lee's Dracula was way back in the first film, Dracula (1958). Naturally, the pair steal the spotlight, bringing outstanding scenes at the abundance, elevating the picture tenfold. Their inevitable reunion during the finale is a phenomenal segment that will have fans on tenterhooks. During the year 1972, Lorrimer Van Helsing leads a standard life looking after his granddaughter, Jessica who on the other hand, spends her time hanging out with her hippie-like friends who like to have fun crashing parties and doing wild things for kicks. Jessica and her friends are one of the main focuses of the movie and are easily one of the reasons this film was classed as dated. Even my Dad joked "The film was dated when it came out", which I find hilarious. Despite all this, it has weirdly improved with age and is favourably looked at now by more people revisiting it. Jessica is undeniably the most intriguing member of the group to follow, with her ties to Van Helsing and how she would become an ideal target for a revenge plot. Among her group, member Johhny Alucard proposes an experience like no other, suggesting a black mass. Reluctantly agreeing under peer pressure, they do so in a condemned church. However, when the situation becomes increasingly realistic, they all scatter moments before Dracula makes his dramatic revival. Now with his vampiric turned servant, Johhny, Dracula hunts each member. However, when the police get involved and seek the Helsings for questioning, Lorrimer begins investigating the matter, equally hunting Dracula and his spawn. Overall, Dracula A.D. 1972 is a fascinating step in the series, taking the age-old tale in a new direction. This is a guilty pleasure for me and my Dad as we found plenty to enjoy from its ambitious and outright groovy style. Plus it was my introduction to the Hammer Dracula series. It's a so bad it's good film that also manages to deliver a brilliant soundtrack as well as the reuniting of Cushing and Lee in their iconic roles. Movie-goers will find plenty to be entertained by from this unusual flick. Check out the continuation in The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973).
Great review of a great film ! Not much I can add to what you have said, there is nothing that I dislike about this film, always enjoy it, probably my fave of the whole series which is most likely an unpopular view as I suspect most Hammer Dracula fans have this near the bottom....still the majority can't be right all the time ! 10/10 for me.
Great review of a great film ! Not much I can add to what you have said, there is nothing that I dislike about this film, always enjoy it, probably my fave of the whole series which is most likely an unpopular view as I suspect most Hammer Dracula fans have this near the bottom....still the majority can't be right all the time ! 10/10 for me.
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