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Dracula (1979)

Dracula (1979)
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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, Rovi

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Starring:
Frank LangellaLaurence Olivier, (more)
Director(s):
John Badham
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Dracula

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, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
110 mins

Complete Cast of Dracula


Director(s):
John Badham
Writer(s):
W.D. Richter
Producer(s):
Walter Mirisch
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Questionable for Children, Adult Situations, Graphic Violence, Violence)
Categories:
Horror
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Gary T.

    Simply one of the best renditions of Bram Stoker's classic vampire story. Frank Langella may have given the best Dracula performance of any actor in the modern era. The supporting cast is amazing, with, among others, Sir Laurence Olivier. This is not a special effects gore fest as most contemporary films of the genre. Rather, it is a brilliant adaptation of a classic stage production which attempts to recreate an appropriate late Victorian environment and atmosphere. In fact, one might even describe this as a gothic romantic thriller, without the over-the-top sensuality and poor casting of the1992 Coppola version. Superb direction, scripting, acting and production values make this version of Dracula an easy recommendation.

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    Joseph A.

    One of the best of all Dracula movies. The cast, production, all of it. Remains my favorite.

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    Thomas O.

    IMHO This is by far the best Dracula movie ever. It was played with a certain sensitivity and sensuality that the other versions didn't have. Christopher Lee once said grudgingly that Langella's version was better than the version he made. One of the things that made it so good is that, contrary to popular conceptions, Van Helsing did NOT win. !!!SPOILER!!! At the end, as the cape was flying away, seemingly under conscious direction, there was the howl that caused Lucy to give that slight smirk or smile. It was obvious, at least to me, that she expected to meet up with him again because he was not dead.

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