Movielogr

Rating: 3 stars

All movies seen on 10/26/2011

View on: IMDb | TMDb

Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972)

Directed by Alan Gibson

Horror

Most recently watched by sensoria, sleestakk

Overview

Set in London in the early 1970’s, supposedly for teen thrills, Johnny organises a black magic ceremony in a desolate churchyard. The culmination of the ritual, however, is the rejuvenation of Dracula from shrivelled remains. Johnny, Dracula’ s disciple, lures victims to the deserted graveyard for his master’s pleasure and one of the victims delivered is Jessica Van Helsing. Descended from the Van Helsing line of vampire hunters her grandfather, equipped with all the devices to snare and destroy the Count, confronts his arch enemy in the age-old battle between good and evil.

Rated PG | Length 96 minutes

Actors

Christopher Lee | Peter Cushing | Stephanie Beacham | Christopher Neame | Michael Coles | Marsha A. Hunt | Caroline Munro | Janet Key | William Ellis | Pip Miller | Michael Kitchen | David Andrews | Lally Bowers | Constance Luttrell | Michael Daly | Artro Morris | Jo Richardson | Brian John Smith | Penny Brahms

Viewing History (seen 1 time)

Viewing Notes

I really dug the way that DRACULA A.D. 1972 started with the British hippy scene replete with drugs, a random band, rebellion, go-go dancers and prolific use of 1970s hippy jargon; it was all very remniscent of AUSTIN POWERS without being spoofy. I wish it would’ve continued, but unfortunately all of that style is left to die for a more traditional Van Helsing versus Dracula turn. The film could’ve really stood out by emphasizing it more and how Dracula would be affected in such a world.

I will say, however, that I quite enjoyed it for the most part. Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee were great as Lorrimer Van Helsing and Dracula, respectively. Christopher Neame also shines as Alucard in a role that, in the beginning, brings to mind Malcolm McDowell in Kubrick’s A CLOCKWORK ORANGE.

The film as a whole doesn’t stand out, but it had some fun turns, such as the fight between Van Helsing and Alucard and the aforementioned opening scene. Unfortunately in the end it’s becomes all too traditional and doesn’t stake its own ground.

Comments