Dracula AD 1972

[palitoy]

While out buying plumbing supplies, I spied this in a dump bin:

Hammer Dracula Four Pack

Four Hammer Dracula films for under $10? I'm in.

I started with the "newest" film Dracula A.D. 1972, I haven't watched this since about 1992 and I remember it being kind of dated and silly at that time.

Honestly, it's improved a bit with age, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of it was still kind of odd (especially that it takes Van Helsing so bloody long to figure out "Alucard") but it's certainly not the worst of the series as it's made out to be.

I liked that Hammer tried to bring the series to the modern age and it didn't help that Caroline Munroe was in this

[megoapesnut]

I loved that flick. Jut watched it again late last year when I bought the same set you are referring to. It's definitely one of my favorites of the Hammer Dracula films, no matter what anyone else says. I really like way they spun the tale into the groovy 70's era.

[samurainoir]

They don't make film posters as awesome as this anymore.

[Earth 2 Chris]

I have the same set, and I enjoyed this one, I think mostly for the fact that Cushing's Van Helsing (or his descendant) was back. I've seen it criticized for not bringing the character out of his gothic setting, but Hammer's Dracula was an external force lurking on the periphery of every story, just like in the novel. I liked him that way!!!

chris

[MIB41]

I also have the four pack set and thoroughly enjoyed the series. I liked the Gothic approach of the character and keeping him submerged in that world of dark shadows (no pun intended) and mysterious worlds of the unexplained. I also liked that Dracula was more of an unapologetic monster. He didn't have any ambiguity about what he wanted to do. He was not a character to be understood or sympathized with. He was a wild animal with the fangs to match. And it was quite effective.

[palitoy]

What I like about Lee's Dracula is that he has an imposing look about him and the camp is down played.

[Earth 2 Chris]

Good points Tom and Brian, and I agree. Lee plays the feral, unapologetic Dracula better than anyone. Although they never followed the novel, his portrayal is closest in my estimation. I have a soft-spot for Bela, but I admit I prefer Lee. Unlike his successors, Langella and Oldman, Lee's Drac is just one evil SOB.


Chris

[samurainoir]

Out of curiosity... in Monster subculture, what is the divide like between Universal Monster fans and Hammer Horror fans? Is it like factions of really old guys sniping at slightly less old guys about how gorey and violent the Hammer films are compared to classic era monsters? Or has time and erosion softened up that divide like it has the Classic Military GI Joe and Action Team schism (uniting against the common threat of RAH 3 3/4" scale). Not having a stake in that race, it would seem like a really amusing conversation to listen in on.

[palitoy]

Good points Tom and Brian, and I agree. Lee plays the feral, unapologetic Dracula better than anyone.

I like that factor about his Dracula, he's a threat. He'll take your girlfriend and push you down if you try and stop him.

Lugois is the more iconic Dracula and I do like his portrayal, if not the movie so much.

Out of curiosity... in Monster subculture, what is the divide like between Universal Monster fans and Hammer Horror fans? Is it like factions of really old guys sniping at slightly less old guys about how gorey and violent the Hammer films are compared to classic era monsters? Or has time and erosion softened up that divide like it has the Classic Military GI Joe and Action Team schism (uniting against the common threat of RAH 3 3/4" scale). Not having a stake in that race, it would seem like a really amusing conversation to listen in on.

I've done a little swimming in the Monster kid pond and I really don't think the divide exists. From what I gather most Monster kids are about ten years our senior and grew up with both.

Sure some prefer one over the other and there is debate but it isn't anything like the great "Picard VS Kirk" war of 1995 or the hell that was "Mike Vs Joel" in 1997.

[Earth 2 Chris]

Lugois is the more iconic Dracula and I do like his portrayal, if not the movie so much.

Yeah, I like Bela's take, and respect it greatly. I can't help but find the movie a bit lacking. I don't buy the whole "early talkie" thing either. "Phantom of the Opera" and even "Nosferatu" are more visually appealing overall. But Lugosi more than makes up for Browning's phoned-in direction.

Chris

[wayne foundation 07]

How did a dracula dvd end up at the plumbing store? What other kind of wacky store combos do you have up there?
PS Hammer films rock

[samurainoir]

^^^^
Find Automotive Tools to Sports Gear to Kitchen & Bath Products | Canadian Tire

Think Walmart with much more testosterone... no clothing, pharmacy, cosmetics or bedding, but electronics, kitchen stuff, automotive, hardware, sporting goods, camping gear, paint, and home reno. Often a surprising selection of toys... Usually closer to Christmas. I go there looking for hot wheels batmobiles, because it seems like no one else does.

[bobws]

The Only reason i bought Dracula 1972 A.D. was for Caroline Munro, and she wasn't in it enough!!!!!

[wayne foundation 07]

^^^^
Find Automotive Tools to Sports Gear to Kitchen & Bath Products | Canadian Tire

Think Walmart with much more testosterone... no clothing, pharmacy, cosmetics or bedding, but electronics, kitchen stuff, automotive, hardware, sporting goods, camping gear, paint, and home reno. Often a surprising selection of toys... Usually closer to Christmas. I go there looking for hot wheels batmobiles, because it seems like no one else does.

You know I've seen one of those up by Niagara Falls, always just thought it was a tire store.Next time we are up there we'll have to check it out.

[samurainoir]

They also distribute our national currency.