Rating: R
Genre:
Horror
Release Date: 02/10/2004
Dubbed: English
Sound: DD2
Run Time: 87 Minutes
Distributor/Studio: Madacy
The final installment in
Hammer Studios'
Dracula series is also the least interesting of the lot. A fairly direct follow-up to
Dracula A.D. 1972, this sequel finds the Count (
Christopher Lee) developing a potent strain of bubonic plague which he and his devil-worshipping disciples plan to release from 1970's London to wipe out nearly all life on earth. His efforts are challenged once again by the dedicated Dr. Van Helsing (
Peter Cushing), leading to a rather uninvolving climax. Despite the always-welcome presence of
Lee and
Cushing, this installment plays too flagrantly with the time-honored
Hammer Gothic formula, giving
Dracula actual dialogue and surrounding the leads with a dull, amateurish supporting cast -- with the possible exception of
Joanna Lumley (later of
BBC-TV's
Absolutely Fabulous). This also marked
Lee's final performance as the Count and signaled the beginning of the end for
Hammer's horror heyday. Also known as
Satanic Rites of Dracula and
Dracula is Dead and Well and Living in London.
~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
