Dracula (1931)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:42
Fresh:39
Rotten:3
Average Rating:7.8/10
Consensus: Bela Lugosi's timeless portrayal of Dracula in this creepy and atmospheric 1931 film has set the standard for major vampiric roles since.
Runtime: 75 mins
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Synopsis: This is the first screen version of Bram Stoker's famous tale based on the smash hit stage production. Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) arrives in London and immediately works to enrapture and transform... This is the first screen version of Bram Stoker's famous tale based on the smash hit stage production. Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) arrives in London and immediately works to enrapture and transform into vampires young Lucy Weston (Frances Dade) and her friend Mina Seward (Helen Chandler). After he succeeds in turning Lucy, and Mina's health suddenly deteriorates, Mina's father (Herbert Bunston), calls in a specialist, Professor Abraham Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan). Van Helsing quickly recognizes Dracula's vampirism, and sets about saving Mina (and in the process, becomes Dracula's archenemy). The film, arguably the most influential of the legend's film versions, launched Lugosi's career in horror movies and forever invited vampires across Hollywood's threshold. [More]
Starring: Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners, Dwight Frye
Starring: Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners, Dwight Frye, Edward Van Sloan, Herbert Bunston, Frances Dade
Director: Tod Browning
Director: Tod Browning
Story: Bram Stoker
Screenwriter: Garrett Fort
Reviews for Dracula
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Click to read the article Full Review |
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Bela Lugosi gives the performance of his life in a role that might have been written just for him. Highly atmospheric throughout, this remains a milestone in horror movie history. Full Review |
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Not by any means the masterpiece of fond memory or reputation, although the first twenty minutes are astonishingly fluid and brilliantly shot by Karl Freund. Full Review |
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When Bela Lugosi died he was buried wearing one of his original silk capes. Forever cloaked, he casts his shadow still. Full Review |
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A perfect example of the worst traits of Hollywood films in the early sound era. Full Review |
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Stark, cold, and deeply sensual, "Dracula's" atmosphere and intention is rooted in a fear of unknown lust and desire from which there can be no escape. To view "Dracula" is to be bitten by the vampire's desperate attack. Full Review |
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A classic despite numerous flaws. Full Review |
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An exciting melodrama, not as good as it ought to be but a cut above the ordinary trapdoor-and-winding-sheet type of mystery film. Full Review |
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A sublimated ghost story related with all surface seriousness and above all with a remarkably effective background of creepy atmosphere. Full Review |
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All time horror classic starring Lugosi; still creepy as blazes.
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The atmospheric opening is the best part -- moody and full of sinister potential. After that, it's stilted drawing-room talk, variably acted, except for the cultish over-the-top dementia of Dwight Frye. Full Review |
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The opening scenes, set in Dracula's castle, are magnificent -- grave, stately, and severe. But the film becomes unbearably static once the action moves to England. Full Review |
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Once you get into the rhythms of the film, you’ll discover a masterpiece. Full Review |
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No review available.
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No review available.
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there is a reason why Bela ended up in Ed Wood movies Full Review |
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The evidence of [Glass'] considerable genius being the decisions to (a) use only a string quartet (b) engage the services of Kronos Quartet ... Full Review |
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It haunted no one as much as dear Bela...
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After Lugosi, all vampire performances are doomed to be compared against him as either homage or departure. Full Review |
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No review available.
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Latest News for Dracula
October 27, 2009:
Sink Your Teeth Into RT's Best Vampires Movies List!
How do you explain our collective fascination with vampires? Well, in spite of the terrible curse that they must endure, these undead bloodsuckers have some attributes to which... More...
May 16, 2007:
Ernest Dickerson to Direct "Dracula" Sequel
An "officially sanctioned" sequel to Bram Stoker's "Dracula" is about to hit the bookshelves ... and the movie screens. More...
July 11, 2006:
Universal Plans "Dracula" Origin Story
Newcomer screenwriters Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless have sold a Dracula-oriented screenplay to Universal, but this one seems to promise something new: The bloodsucker's full... More...
May 03, 2006:
A Sequel to the Original "Dracula"?
Filmmaker Jan de Bont plans to produce the first "officially sanctioned" sequel to Bram Stoker's original "Dracula" story, one that will catch up with all of... More...
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