Dracula (1979) – Episode 103 – Decades of Horror 1970s

"In the past 500 years, Professor, those who have crossed my path have all died, and some not pleasantly." Then again, some who have crossed his path have watched him turn into a cloak-kite and flap away. Join your faithful Grue Crew - Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr - as they check out the 1979 version of Dracula, featuring Frank Langella, Kate Nelligan, Laurence Olivier, and Donald Pleasence, four decades after its release.

Decades of Horror 1970s
Episode 103 – Dracula (1979)

In 1913, the charming, seductive and sinister vampire Count Dracula travels to England in search of an immortal bride.

IMDb

 

• Director: John Badham
• Writers: W.D. Richter (screenplay); (play by) John L. Balderston & Hamilton Deane; (novel by) Bram Stoker
• Featured Cast
  • Frank Langella as Count Dracula
  • Laurence Olivier as Professor Abraham Van Helsing
  • Donald Pleasence as Dr. Jack Seward
  • Kate Nelligan as Lucy Seward
  • Trevor Eve as Jonathan Harker
  • Jan Francis as Mina Van Helsing
  • Sylvester McCoy as Walter Myrtle
  • Janine Duvitski as Annie
  • Tony Haygarth as Milo Renfield
  • Teddy Turner as Swales

1979 saw the release of a veritable colony of vampire movies. John Badham’s Dracula most certainly comes in as number one in terms of budget though maybe not in terms of a timeless treasure. This one holds a special place for Doc as does Frank Langella’s portrayal of the legendary count. Jeff labored to stay focused during the first half of the film but gives high marks to the final half. As a youngster watching this, Chad was duly frightened but admits parts of it do not hold up forty years later. Bill is irritated Dracula omits nearly everything taking place prior to the Demeter landing in England and bemoans the very weird, “vampire kite” conclusion. 

Where does Dracula (1979) fit amongst other films based on Bram Stoker’s novel or even amongst vampire films in general? The 1970s Grue Crew is just foolhardy enough to take a shot at a general ranking. At any rate, they all recommend Dracula as a worthwhile watch and Doc is considering acquiring the Scream Factory Blu-ray due out in November 2019.

We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans:  leave us a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at [email protected].