The third movie from Hammer in the Dracula fold, this actually follows
on more from the end of Dracula than has anything to do with The Brides Of Dracula and, as such, can be accepted almost as a direct sequel in
itself.
Directed by Terence Fisher, and with Jimmy Sangster also involved, I
was hoping for great things and found myself, sadly, a little
disappointed. The story sees our sharp-toothed count laying on some
hospitality for weary travellers while he rests in piece until, about
halfway through the movie, the resurrection can occur. And what a
glorious, crimson-covered resurrection it is - a definite highlight in
a movie I found somewhat lacking in other areas. Once Christopher Lee
is back on screen it's all the usual Hammer style (i.e. keep distressed
damsels safe while the silent Count tries to get his wicked way, in a
manner of speaking). And there's a memorable finale that fans will
recall when it appears, if not beforehand, though I won't spoil it
here.
There's no Van Helsing this time around. Instead, that role is taken
over by the presence of Father Sandor (played by Andrew Keir). Keir is
okay in the role but I always feel, just my personal preference, that
any of the Hammer Dracula or Frankenstein movies not featuring Peter
Cushing automatically start with a deficit to make up. As for the rest
of the cast; Lee is as good as ever with his mute performance (all
bared teeth and staring, bloodshot eyes), Philip Latham is excellent as
the Count's manservant and thoroughly dodgy bloke, Thorley Walters is
quite amusing as a Renfield-ish type who resides in the Father's care
and Barbara Shelley gets some good screen moments in the latter half of
the movie. Nobody else really makes much of an impression, to be
honest. Suzan Farmer is a little adorable cutie with little to do
except look in peril while Francis Matthews and Charles Tingwell play
the buttoned down, stiff-upper-lipped lead gents just fine.
There's just something missing here and I can't quite put my finger on
what it is. The pacing isn't a problem because, despite Dracula himself
not appearing till round about the halfway mark, we have the usual
Hammer moments including a tavern scene, a scared coach driver, the
exploration of a seemingly empty castle, etc. The script isn't that
memorable, the direction seems rather "safe" (that halfway highlight
aside) and everything just stands out by dint of it not standing out.
Maybe I expected too much but maybe, as I personally feel to be the
case, this is simply one of the average Hammer horrors. After all, not
every one can be a winner eh.
6/10
This is yet another Hammer title available in this wonderful, bargain box set - http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Ultimate-Hammer-Collection-Disc/dp/B000HN31KQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351094407&sr=8-1
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