Hammer's second horror remake, following the success of CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1957), is one of the most cinematically satisfying adaptations of Bram Stoker's vampire classic, with plenty of color, action and excitement! Christopher Lee, re-defining the character of Dracula, with greater passion and sensuality, went on to reprise the role in more films than any other actor! Another solid impression was established by Peter Cushing, as intrepid vampire hunter, Dr. Van Helsing! Jimmy Sangster's economical script efficiently streamlined Stoker's convoluted plot. James Bernard composed the thrilling, powerful score! The film's graphic blood and gore, considered excessive in its time, seems discreetly tame by contemporary standards! The fantastic conclusion, in which shafts of sunlight cause Dracula to crumble to dust, is the most impressive finale of any Dracula film to date!
