Horror of Dracula

Name: Horror of Dracula
Genre: Drama, Horror
Released: May 8, 1958
Duration: 82 min
Rating: 67
Cast: Barbara Archer, Carol Marsh, Christopher Lee, Janina Faye, John Van Eyssen

1958

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 9 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 8 Ratings

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7.4

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7.4	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 8 Ratings

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Horror Of Dracula

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Movie Details & Credits

Universal Pictures | Release Date: May 8, 1958 | Approved

Starring: Barbara Archer, Carol Marsh, Christopher Lee, Janina Faye, John Van Eyssen, Melissa Stribling, Michael Gough, Olga Dickie, Peter Cushing, Valerie Gaunt

Summary: Jonathan Harker begets the ire of Count Dracula after he accepts a job at the vampire's castle under false pretenses, forcing his colleague Dr. Van Helsing to destroy the predatory villain when he targets Harker's loved ones.

Director: Terence Fisher

Genre(s): Drama, Horror

Rating: Approved

Runtime: 82 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Jamie Russell

It's a film that deserves recognition as one of this country's finest horror movies, a sexually charged Gothic nightmare featuring standout performances from Hammer stalwarts Lee and Peter Cushing, who stars as vampire hunter Van Helsing. Read full review

100

TV Guide Magazine Staff (Not Credited)

Bloody well done. Hammer finally gave the Dracula legend the treatment it deserved here, entrusting it to the brilliant director of The Curse of Frankenstein, Terence Fisher, who injected glorious life into the familiar material. Read full review

The Observer (UK) Staff (Not Credited)

Superb direction from Terence Fisher and a crisp, clean script by Jimmy Sangster are complemented by a rapturous score from James Bernard. [27 Oct 2013, p.6]

Staff (Not Credited)

Both director Terence Fisher as well as the cast have taken a serious approach to the macabre theme that adds up to lotsa tension and suspense. Read full review

Dave Kehr

Peter Cushing carries most of the ho-hum script as Dr. Van Helsing, though the well-lit color photography, central to the Hammer formula, can't compare with the shadowy magnificence of Nosferatu (1922) or Dracula (1931). Read full review

The Guardian Peter Bradshaw

It's often entertainingly creepy in a twilit world of its own. Read full review

A. H. Weiler

Perhaps the constant hunt for hemoglobin is slowing our villain down, for this time there are strong indications that the once gory plot is showing definite signs of anemia. Read full review

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User Reviews

kyle20ellis

May 3, 2022

I saw this not only because of the brilliant story but also because of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, two of the best actors I know. And I was not disappointed at all, in fact although I do have respect for the 1931 film and like the 1992 film this 1958 Dracula is the best version. ItI saw this not only because of the brilliant story but also because of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, two of the best actors I know. And I was not disappointed at all, in fact although I do have respect for the 1931 film and like the 1992 film this 1958 Dracula is the best version. It has atmospheric lighting and cinematography and the costumes and sets are wonderful colourful. The score is also very haunting while never becoming too grandiose, the script is not stilted and flows well and the story apart from the odd slow moment draws you in and does a good job condensing the source material. It is beautifully directed by Terrence Fisher, and there is some very good, great even from some, acting. Jonathan, Mina and Lucy are believable and written in a convincing manner. But this Dracula will be remembered by me for two performances. One is Peter Cushing, who is the ideal Van Helsing, his interpretation is eccentric yet done with charm and grace too, no over-theatricality in sight. The other, and this is my personal favourite, is Christopher Lee as Dracula, who manages to not only be terrifying but also sensual, although I like Lugosi and Oldman a lot in the roles Lee for me of the Draculas is the only one to capture BOTH these qualities. All in all, in my opinion because of the production values, atmosphere, Cushing and especially Lee, this Dracula is the best one. 10/10 Bethany Cox… Expand

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imthenoob

Sep 29, 2022

Cushing as Van Helsing and Lee as Dracula is a match made in heaven, Both elevating the movie above what it should have been. You can't help but be drawn by the coolness of Lee's Dracula while also rooting for Cushing's Van Helsing to succeed in defeating the titular character once and forCushing as Van Helsing and Lee as Dracula is a match made in heaven, Both elevating the movie above what it should have been. You can't help but be drawn by the coolness of Lee's Dracula while also rooting for Cushing's Van Helsing to succeed in defeating the titular character once and for all.

The only thing stopping it from being great is that even with a short runtime, It still feels drawn out at times. The story just doesn't have enough depth and comes off as incredibly padded, especially in the second half. It's still a tolerable movie but it could have been a lot better.… Expand

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