Dracula (1958) Dir: Terence Fisher

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Bram Stoker's iconic vampire tale; 'Dracula', is one of my all-time favourite novels, and one I absolutely adore to see adapted to the big screen. By now, I've seen a few iterations of it, from F.W. Murnau's illegal yet legendary 'Nosferatu', to the equally memorable 1931 classic starring Bella Lugosi, but this Terence Fisher directed horror from 1958 was one I was yet to watch, until now. The film is well thought of, and stars two classic actors of the era in the leading roles, so I felt as though this could surely only be good.

Interestingly enough, this was the first vampire film ever shot in colour, and I must say, I thought it looked pretty great. I was also impressed by the quality of the set and costume designs, which looked wonderful. In coalition with the superbly atmospheric and traditional cinema orchestra accompaniment, this was a film that both looked and felt the part of a true classic horror film.

In regards to the narrative, I thought this was a rather interesting and unique adaptation of the traditional 'Dracula' story, which made some slightly strange, but no less effective, alterations. I have no doubt that some of these were to save time, and whilst I am a sucker for Stoker's original version of events, this was an acceptable, and well-crafted depiction, which kept me both entertained and engaged. Unlike the 1931 film, this film's climactic scenes remain, and provide an exciting, high-stakes finale to the story.

Peter Cushing's portrayal of 'Van Helsing' is as riveting as it is sleak. I grew up only knowing Cushing for his fairly brief appearance in 'Star Wars', and, great though that performance was, it was so enjoyable to watch him in a markedly different role. His acting was smooth and to the point, and he had a good deal of charisma, that allowed him to feel, as well as look, like a worthy foil to the evil and powerful vampire.

This was actually the first in a series of Hammer produced horror films starring Christopher Lee as the sinister 'Count Dracula', and what an first outing for the legendary actor. Lee actually barely appears in the film, yet he dominated it with ease. His screen presence was as haunting as it was charismatic, and the shots in which he appears suddenly are so chilling because of it. In just a few scenes, Lee established himself as one of the most terrifying and recognisable iterations of 'Dracula', and one that would go on to appear in several more films over the next two decades.

The rest of the cast very much play back-up to those two aforementioned heavyweight performers, but, of those who featured, I was most compelled by Carol Marsh's 'Lucy' and Michael Gough's portrayal of 'Arthur'. I also felt it was worth mentioning Melissa Stribling, Olga Dickie, and John Van Eyssen, who's much less significant roles still factored into the film's tremendous atmosphere and effective storytelling.

Overall, I have found that, the more I think about it, the more I adore this classic edition of an even more classic horror story. Albeit slightly strange, at times, in it's alterations, it was still a distinctly watchable version of the famous old vampire story, and one that chilled to the bone, whenever the titular Count appeared on-screen. It was a succinct and extremely effective version of the story, that owes much of its success and longevity to its two brilliant starring actors.