A ridiculously fun vampire romp that offers several amusing spins on Bram Stoker's oft-filmed novel. Tall, sleek Christopher Lee makes his vampirical debut, gliding between a snarling, blood-engorged demon, and an articulate and over-eager host, and gentleman to doomed Jonathan Harker. Lee's rakish physique is quite suitable for the character, and director Terence Fisher has plenty of fun with shock cuts and grotesque close-ups of our new Count.

Warner Bros.' transfer captures the oddball colour scheme that blends old world décor - wood tones, large plaster pillars, ornate rugs and wall hangings - with fifties style; the lushness of the Eastmancolor palette is significantly boosted to enhance the paleness of the vampires, crimson drippings of human blood, and green and turquoise pastel schemes reminiscent of leisure rooms and lime green kitchens. It's totally weird, but it works. Jack Asher's lensing showcases the inventive, modestly-budgeted sets, and the mono sound mix has a nice balance of dialogue, sound effects and James Bernard's bombastic, dirge-like score.

This Warner Bros title is also available as part of the Hammer Collection that includes “The Curse Of Frankenstein,” “Dracula Has Risen From The Grave,” “Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed,” “Horror Of Dracula,” “The Mummy" (1959) and “Taste The Blood Of Dracula.”

© 2002 Mark R. Hasan