The Curse of Dracula is a 1958 horror film directed by Terence Fisher. It is part of the iconic Hammer Horror series, known for their gothic and atmospheric style. The film is also known as Horror of Dracula in certain regions. The Curse of Dracula stars Christopher Lee as the notorious Count Dracula and Peter Cushing as the vampire hunter Van Helsing. Lee's portrayal of Dracula is considered one of the most iconic and influential in horror cinema. He brings a sense of menace and charisma to the character, making him both terrifying and alluring.
The reinvention of Dracula is best exemplified by Lee's first entrance. Greeting Jonathan Harker from the top of a long staircase, the scene deliberately echoes the Count's introduction in Browning's film. Instead of the stylised movement, hypnotic stare and thick accent employed by Lugosi, Lee plays the role as a charming, well-spoken aristocrat.
After the financial rewards of The Curse of Frankenstein , Fisher returned to the pantheon of classic horror films released by Universal in the 1930s and 40s. Certain agreements were made as per distribution rights for Universal, who owned the rights via a deal that was struck decades earlier with the Bram Stoker estate.
He brings a sense of menace and charisma to the character, making him both terrifying and alluring. The plot revolves around Van Helsing's quest to vanquish Dracula and save his victims. The film is set in the late 19th century, with Van Helsing tracking down Dracula in his ancestral castle.
The curse of dracuka 1958
After Jonathan Harker attacks Dracula at his castle, the vampire travels to a nearby city, where he preys on the family of Harker's fiancée. The only one who may be able to protect them is Dr. van Helsing, Harker's friend and fellow-student of vampires, who is determined to destroy Dracula, whatever the cost.
- Terence Fisher Director
- Bram Stoker Novel
- Jimmy Sangster Screenplay
Top Billed Cast
- Peter Cushing Doctor Van Helsing
- Christopher Lee Count Dracula
- Michael Gough Arthur Holmwood
- Melissa Stribling Mina Holmwood
- Carol Marsh Lucy Holmwood
- Olga Dickie Gerda
- John Van Eyssen Jonathan Harker
- Valerie Gaunt Vampire Woman
- Janina Faye Tania
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Featured Review
A review by John Chard
Written by John Chard on May 23, 2015
Sleep well, Mr. Harker.
The Curse of Frankenstein was coining it in at the box office, so Hammer Films were quick to negotiate a deal to reinvent Dracula on the big screen. Certain agreements were made as per distribution rights for Universal, who owned the rights via a deal that was struck decades earlier with the Bram Stoker estate. Once all the dots were dotted and the t's were crossed, Dracula hit the screens in a whirl of sensual Technicolor bliss, where the trajectory of horror film history was shunted upwards to the point that the legacy still lives on today.
Directed by Terence Fi. read the rest.
The Curse of Frankenstein was coining it in at the box office, so Hammer Films were quick to negotiate a deal to reinvent Dracula on the big screen. Certain agreements were made as per distribution rights for Universal, who owned the rights via a deal that was struck decades earlier with the Bram Stoker estate. Once all the dots were dotted and the t's were crossed, Dracula hit the screens in a whirl of sensual Technicolor bliss, where the trajectory of horror film history was shunted upwards to the point that the legacy still lives on today.
The battle between the two becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse, filled with suspense and tension. The Curse of Dracula stands out for its visual style and atmospheric cinematography. The film showcases the lavish sets and costumes that are characteristic of the Hammer Horror series. The gothic aesthetic creates a haunting and eerie atmosphere that adds to the terror of the story. The Curse of Dracula also incorporates elements of eroticism and sensuality, a departure from previous vampire films. Dracula's seductive nature is highlighted, as he preys on his female victims. This added layer of sexuality adds another level of fascination to the character and the story. The Curse of Dracula was a commercial and critical success upon its release. It firmly established Christopher Lee as a horror icon and solidified Hammer Films as a prominent production company in the genre. The film's success led to numerous sequels and a lasting legacy. Overall, The Curse of Dracula is a classic horror film that remains a staple of the genre. It combines strong performances, stunning visuals, and a captivating story to create a truly chilling experience. It is a must-watch for any fans of vampire mythology and gothic horror..
Reviews for "The Curse Within: Analyzing the Psychological Themes of 'The Curse of Dracuka"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Curse of Dracuka 1958". The plot was weak and confusing, and the acting was subpar at best. The movie failed to create any sense of suspense or horror, and I found myself bored throughout most of it. The special effects were also terribly outdated and laughable. Overall, I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this film.
2. Emily - 1 star - "The Curse of Dracuka 1958" was a complete disaster. The storyline was incredibly cliche and unoriginal, and the characters were poorly developed. The dialogue was cringe-worthy, filled with cheesy lines that made me roll my eyes. The cinematography was also lacking, with poorly lit scenes and awkward angles. I was hoping for a good classic horror film, but this was just a major letdown.
3. Mark - 2 stars - I was expecting so much more from "The Curse of Dracuka 1958", but unfortunately, it fell short. The pacing was extremely slow, and there were long periods of inaction that made the movie drag on. The horror elements were lacking, and the scares were predictable and cliched. The performances were mediocre, with the actors failing to bring depth to their characters. All in all, it was a forgettable film that I wouldn't recommend to any horror fan.
4. Samantha - 1.5 stars - "The Curse of Dracuka 1958" was a snooze fest. The story was unoriginal and failed to bring anything new to the vampire genre. The acting was dull and lacked any real emotion or conviction. The special effects were laughably bad, and the makeup on the vampires looked cheap and unrealistic. I found myself counting down the minutes until it was over, as it failed to create any tension or excitement. Overall, it was a waste of time and not worth watching.