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Dracula makes his mark on London society by turning young
debutante, Lucy Weston (Frances Dade) into a vampire. Bored,
he focusses on her friend, Mina Seward (Helen Chandler) the
daughter of Dr Jack Seward (Herbert Bunston).
Alarmed at his daughter's rapidly deteriorating health Seward
calls in a specialist, Professor Abraham Van Helsing (Edward
Van Sloan).
Van Helsing enlists the aid of Mina's fiancé, Jonathan Harker
(David Manners) to track Dracula to his lair and attempt to
destroy him.
The Dracula story has been filmed many times. Few have been
as good as this, the original.
When this version was shot, in the early days of sound, Hollywood
imported a large number of stage actors who could speak well
but played to 'the gods' instead of the camera.
Disregarding some of the more melodramatic performers the
rest are very good, in particular Edward Van Sloan as the
vampire's nemesis.
Bela Lugosi, of course, is the definitive Count Dracula.
In a starkly lit close shot he conveys the very essense of
a vampire. As off screen wolves howl, he says with otherworld
fondness. "Listen to them, children of the night; what music
they make!"
Conclusion: 80% Extras: 70%.
Continued: DVD
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