Rating: R
Genre:
Horror
Release Date: 10/19/2004
SubTitles: English/Espanol/French
Dubbed: English
Sound: DD2
Run Time: 110 Minutes
Flags: Violence, Graphic Violence, Adult Situations, Questionable for Children
Distributor/Studio: Universal Studios
In the late '70s,
Frank Langella starred in the hit Broadway play
Dracula, written by
Hamilton Deane and
John L. Balderston.
Langella's charisma and the surreal, black-and-white sets designed by cartoonist Edward Gorey were the chief outstanding features of the play, which was otherwise undistinguished. While this film production of the play boasts performances by stage veterans
Lord Laurence Olivier and
Donald Pleasance, as well as
Frank Langella as the suavest of counts, it was neither a critical nor a box-office success, doubtlessly because expectations ran too high. One highlight of this production is its skillful use of special effects. The standard story of
Bram Stoker's original novel is re-created here: the undead count arranges to move from his home in Transylvania to Whitby, and once there, a reign of terror begins. He is opposed by the canny
Doctor Van Helsing (
Laurence Olivier), who eventually triumphs.
~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
