Hammer Film Productions, Ltd., 1958. Written by Jimmy Sangster. Based on the novel by Bram Stoker. Directed by Terence Fisher. Starring Peter Cushing, Michael Gough, Melissa Stribling and Christopher Lee as "Dracula."

     By Stephen Pytak 

     It's been called the best of the Hammer
horror films. I haven't seen them all, but
I'll go with that.
     It's the basic Stoker story told with a few
new plot twists. But what will keep you from
turning the channel or clicking off your 
DVD player are the performances by Peter
Cushing and Christopher Lee.
    Cushing is the most intense and sincere
"Van Helsing" in the history of cinema.
    His quest to kill Dracula kind of reminded
me of John Carpenter's "Halloween" and
the "Dr. Loomis" character. 
     Cushing is a determined soul who, it
seems, has no other focus in his existence
but to destroy this evil. And he doesn't
fully understand what he's dealing with,
even though, it seems, he's been chasing
it down for years.
     According to "Halloween: A Cut Above
The Rest," the 87-minute documentary on
the 25th Anniversary Edition of "Halloween"
DVD, Carpenter first wanted Cushing for
the role of "Dr. Loomis." Then he wanted
Lee.
     It's easy to see why. I'm sure this film
was the reason. I'm sure this film inspired
Carpenter as he penned "Halloween" as
well. If that's the case, it was a fine homage.
     Lee is equally intense and, in this film
anyway, he's kind of scary. He pops up
at the most unexpected times. My favorite
is when Cushing is in the cellar and Lee
darts in and out.
     The ending to this sucker is classic,
so classic that the makers of the sequel,
"Dracula, Prince of Darkness" ran the
whole thing over the opening credits.
     The chase and showdown moves
like a mother. Cushing thinks fast
as he uses candle holders, some 
curtains and the grace of God to save
himself. Whew. What a scene.
    Dracula's disintegration kind of 
reminded me of "Evil Dead." 
     Hmmmmmmm. I wonder if Sam
Raimi got any ideas from watching 
this.