Review #264: 'Dracula' (1958)

We all know the story of Count Dracula by now - as well as Mary Shelley's original novel, he has been immortalised in countless film adaptations that both stay close to the source material, and put fresh spins on the story and legend. Hammer's 1958 adaptation makes several changes to the story, but if this was due to budget limitations or simple artistic expression I do not know. Jonathan Harker (John Van Eyssen) arrives at Dracula's (Christopher Lee) castle as a newly employed librarian. He soon meets Dracula's captive who begs Harker to set her free and help her. Rather than Harker being a real estate agent sent to Transylvania to broker a deal with the Count, here Harker is a vampire hunter sent to bring Dracula to his doom.

The rest I'm sure you know, but in this version Harker becomes a vampire briefly only to be staked by his friend Van Helsing (Peter Cushing). Christopher Lee was still relatively early in his career when he took up this role, although he had previously starred at Frankenstein's monster in Hammer's The Curse of Frankenstein (1957). He had starred in many films before this, albeit in smaller and uncredited roles, yet here he looks likes he's been doing it for years. Apart from his comically camp trot down the stairs in his dramatic entrance scene, Lee makes a massive impact in what is a relatively limited role. He has very few lines, and very few scenes. But he leaves a lasting impression that compliments the sheer colossal power of his presence.

This is by no means a great film. But Hammer never strived for greatness. Their films were mainly about money-making on a small budget. Dracula ends at around the 80 minute mark, yet it feels about 10 minutes long. It moves at lightning pace, jumping from scene to scene with breathless pace that seems suck out all atmosphere and genuine chills. But what it lacks in atmosphere, it makes up for in sheer enjoyment. This never comes close to the gothic brilliance of Tod Browning's 1931 adaptation, or the lavish beauty of Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 effort, but this has a British thespian quality and that Hammer touch that no other production company seem to be able to replicate. Far from the definitive version, but certainly the most fun.


Directed by: Terence Fisher
Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Michael Gough, Melissa Stribling
Country: UK

Rating: ****

Tom Gillespie