Press archive
Variety reviews Hammer’s Dracula
7 May 1958 · Variety
Estate summary
Variety’s contemporary review of Horror of Dracula expects strong commercial returns despite a cast it does not regard as a major box-office attraction. It places the film within Universal’s history of horror releases and Hammer’s success with The Curse of Frankenstein, emphasising the promotional appeal of gore and colour. The reviewer also finds real craft behind the exploitation potential: Terence Fisher’s serious treatment creates tension, Peter Cushing is impressive as the investigating doctor and Christopher Lee supplies a thoroughly disturbing Count. The supporting performances, sets, Jack Asher’s photography, James Bernard’s music and Bill Lenny’s editing all receive attention. The result is a favourable trade assessment, concerned with both the film’s effectiveness and the way exhibitors might sell it. Its use of a different release title should not disguise that this is Hammer’s 1958 Dracula.
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