Despite the many parodies since the release of the Hammer Dracula films that have dulled the horror and creepiness, the film is still strong, due to both Cushing and Lee. The film uses elements of the Stoker novel, but makes some surprising alterations from the start, most of which work quite well. Lee is still an imposing presence from his first introduction, and whilst the fight scenes are a little creaky compared to modern standards, it is Lee that ensures the film still has a creepy feel to it, shifting effortlessly from the brooding suave Count to an animalistic creature when he attacks.

Creepy, campy, and a fun 82 minute ride. There is the occasional humorous moment - some intentional, some not - but Cushing and Lee ensure that the film is delivered with style.

This is definitely a classic. The story moves along nicely and we are dropped into things immediately. I'm not crazy about the way that they made Harker already aware of what Count Dracula was. It takes away from the horror of the discovery of Dracula's true being. The scariest moment of the film is when vampire Lucy abducts her niece in the woods. Lucy has an evil look about her that is unsettling. Christopher Lee's Dracula is a polished gentleman when meeting Harker but acts like an animal from the library fight scene until the end of the film. For sheer frights, Lee's take on the Count isn't to the level of Schreck's Nosferatu or even Oldman's 1990's version. Cushing's Van Helsing character was the best I've seen. He was relentless in both his pursuit of Dracula and the protection potential victims. He brings charisma, brains and athleticism to the role. This is a great old Horror film.

A phenomenal telling of the classic tale - with plot points we'll all recognise once we've watched a couple of adaptations. Points are earned just for what this particular film gave to the genre - the fangs, the eyes, the vampire hunters and all that have since become absolute staples of the genre (the blood-tinged eyes less so, but their ferocity has carried on). Performances throughout are grand, the sets fantastic, and each of the characters actually feels useful - the helpless victims actually feeling helpless rather than just stupid. Characters learn, and admit fault. Plus both Cushing and Lee are at their peak of their co-starring I'd say. The finale is apparently a famous one, and I can see why - it's fast-paced and has some surprisingly scary/risky effects for the time. I was hooked from start to finish, and can find little fault with what this set out to do, with the effects overall great for the time - though I wish I could say the same for the sequels...

Excels mostly in style, with quality acting, breezy pacing, and that mystical Hammer aire.