The 1958 film "The Curse of Dracula" is a classic tale of supernatural horror. Directed by Terence Fisher, the film is an adaptation of Bram Stoker's iconic novel "Dracula." It is considered one of the most influential vampire films of all time, setting the stage for many future portrayals of the iconic Count Dracula. "The Curse of Dracula" follows the story of Jonathan Harker, a young solicitor who travels to Transylvania to finalize the sale of Carfax Abbey to Count Dracula. Harker soon discovers that Dracula is a vampire, cursed to live forever by drinking the blood of the living. As the film unfolds, Dracula's curse begins to take hold on those around him, with danger lurking around every corner.
As the film unfolds, Dracula's curse begins to take hold on those around him, with danger lurking around every corner. One of the main themes of "The Curse of Dracula" is the power of the supernatural. Dracula's curse is what drives the plot forward, causing chaos and destruction wherever he goes.
Magic Play Box creates outside-the-box thinking
Students at Apanui School are rediscovering the magic of play after starting their school year facing the impacts of a devastating fire that destroyed eight of their classrooms.
The Eastern Bay of Plenty primary school recently received a Magic Play Box thanks to the combined efforts of play advocates from across the motu. A Magic Play Box contains a range of upcycled materials such as rope, pipes, wheels, crates and wood, designed to encourage children to explore their imagination through free and unstructured play.
Apanui School principal Simon Akroyd said the Magic Play Box was gifted to the school after its creators learned of February's fire, which left only a handful of learning resources available for the students.
“Through this whole experience, we’ve really felt the manaaki (support, generosity) of the community. The Magic Play Box will go some way to enabling play to resume at the school and encourage our tauira (students) to get inventive, challenge themselves and build confidence during play time,” Simon said.
Over the past two years Apanui School, with the support of Longworth Education, has been committed to enabling students to learn through play, both within and outside of the classroom.
Steph Reichardt from Sports Bay of Plenty sees play as an important part of young people’s development and says she’s thrilled to see local pupils being encouraged and given opportunities to play.
“Play is crucial to helping kids develop their motor skills and creativity, and accelerates their self-confidence as they navigate challenges and make decisions to solve problems.”
“It’s important that opportunities for free play continue to be available to today’s kids - particularly in an era where backyards are smaller, there is more traffic and there has been a gradual move to introduce more structured forms of physical activity at a younger age.”
“Play allows kids to be kids and let their imaginations run wild as they have fun and get active while adults stand back,” says Steph
Funding for play
Bay of Plenty organisations working with young people, including schools, can access funding to support play by applying for the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund being administered by Sport Bay of Plenty.
Limited play funds remain in round one, so organisations are encouraged to apply soon. New funding will be available in the next financial year. Visit sportbop.co.nz for details.
About Magic Play Box
The Magic Play Box was created by Sport Waitākere and is being supported in the Bay of Plenty by Longworth Education – a consultancy helping primary schools implement learning through play. Several schools have already trialled the Magic Play Box, creating everything from swings to moveable carts.
“It’s important that opportunities for free play continue to be available to today’s kids - particularly in an era where backyards are smaller, there is more traffic and there has been a gradual move to introduce more structured forms of physical activity at a younger age.”
The film portrays Dracula as an evil and seductive force, using his powers of hypnotism and mind control to manipulate those around him. The film's visual style also plays a significant role in highlighting the supernatural elements. The use of atmospheric lighting, Gothic architecture, and eerie music create a sense of foreboding and suspense throughout the film. The audience is constantly reminded of the supernatural curse that hangs over the characters, heightening the tension and fear. "The Curse of Dracula" also explores themes of life and death, immortality, and the battle between good and evil. As Count Dracula attempts to spread his curse, the characters are forced to confront their own mortality and make a stand against the forces of darkness. Overall, "The Curse of Dracula" is a chilling and suspenseful film that showcases the power and allure of the supernatural. It has left an enduring legacy in the world of vampire cinema and continues to be celebrated for its iconic portrayal of Dracula and its exploration of supernatural themes..
Reviews for "The Supernatural Curse of Dracula 1958: A Cinematic Marvel"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to watching "The supernatural curse of dracula 1958" as I'm a big fan of vampire movies. However, I was left disappointed. The plot felt weak and predictable, and the acting was not convincing at all. The special effects were also outdated and laughable, taking away from any potential creepy atmosphere. Overall, it felt like a poorly executed attempt at capitalizing on the vampire craze. I would not recommend this movie to anyone looking for a genuinely good vampire film.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I have to say that "The supernatural curse of dracula 1958" was a complete waste of my time. The story was confusing and lacked any coherent structure. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. The characters were one-dimensional and unrelatable, making it difficult to care about their fate. The cinematography was lackluster, with poorly lit scenes that made it hard to see what was happening. Overall, this movie was a huge disappointment and I would advise anyone to steer clear of it.
3. David - 2/5 - The supernatural curse of dracula 1958 fell flat for me. The storyline was cliché and uninspired, offering nothing new or exciting to the vampire genre. The acting was wooden and lacked any depth, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The pacing was also inconsistent, with long stretches of dullness followed by rushed and unsatisfying resolutions. While I appreciate classic horror films, this one simply did not deliver any scares or thrills. I would not recommend this movie to anyone looking for a captivating vampire tale.
4. Emily - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "The supernatural curse of dracula 1958" given its reputation as a classic horror movie. However, I found it to be outdated and underwhelming. The plot was predictable and lacked any real suspense. The special effects were laughable by today's standards, and the vampire makeup looked cheap and unconvincing. The dialogue was also weak, and the characters felt like caricatures rather than fully fleshed out individuals. Overall, this film did not live up to its hype and is definitely not worth watching for fans of modern horror.