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Window card Horror of Dracula
is a 1958 British gothic horror film directed by Terence Fisher and produced by Hammer Film Productions. The movie is a loose adaptation of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel and is notable for being the first of the Hammer series of horror films to feature Christopher Lee as Count Dracula and Peter Cushing as his nemesis, Dr. Van Helsing. The film was released as Dracula in the United Kingdom but was retitled Horror of Dracula for its U.S. release to avoid confusion with the 1931 Universal Pictures film.
Plot Summary:
The film follows the vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing as he tracks Count Dracula after his colleague, Jonathan Harker, is turned into a vampire. Dracula then sets his sights on Harker's fiancée, Lucy Holmwood, and her sister-in-law, Mina. Van Helsing, with the help of Lucy's brother, Arthur Holmwood, must race against time to save the women and destroy the vampire.
Cast:
Christopher Lee as Count Dracula
Peter Cushing as Doctor Van Helsing
Michael Gough as Arthur Holmwood
Melissa Stribling as Mina Holmwood
Carol Marsh as Lucy Holmwood
John Van Eyssen as Jonathan Harker
Terence Fisher directed the film.
The movie is widely considered a classic and was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It is credited with bringing fangs, blood, and a brooding sexuality to the character of Dracula, which helped to redefine the vampire in popular culture. |
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