THE HORROR OF DRACULA (1958) THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA (1973) The character of Dracula has become so synonymous with Christopher Lee that, for many people who do not know his work, it would be permissible to assume that this had been his only role. In the series of Dracula films produced by Hammer over a fifteen-year period Lee brought a unique sophistication to role of the vampire Count that had not been present in earlier characterisations. Whilst Bela Lugosis original portrayal in 1931s Dracula (directed by horror stalwart Todd Browning) may be the iconic image of a vampire for many people, Lee managed to place a strong stamp on the role and make it his own. Oozing rabid sexual desire most obvious in the bloodshot contact lenses that Lee wore in pivotal scenes Hammers Dracula took the character away from the traditional charm of both Lugosi and author Bram Stokers designs. Lees sexually charged performance assimilated the Count with a feral sexual disease rather than a simple terror of the night. The combination of lust and malice within Lees performance make his roles as Dracula extremely memorable and easily his most accomplishedbut lets be honest, when you return to a character 10 times youre only ever going to get it down! Whilst the quality of the narratives declined over the years, both Lee and Peter Cushings (as Van Helsing) performances remained as strong as ever. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMAW6RZR2fA Have a favourite or think weve missed one? Want to share your love for one of Britains finest? Drop a comment below!
The character of Dracula has become so synonymous with Christopher Lee that, for many people who do not know his work, it would be permissible to assume that this had been his only role. In the series of Dracula films produced by Hammer over a fifteen-year period Lee brought a unique sophistication to role of the vampire Count that had not been present in earlier characterisations. Whilst Bela Lugosis original portrayal in 1931s Dracula (directed by horror stalwart Todd Browning) may be the iconic image of a vampire for many people, Lee managed to place a strong stamp on the role and make it his own. Oozing rabid sexual desire most obvious in the bloodshot contact lenses that Lee wore in pivotal scenes Hammers Dracula took the character away from the traditional charm of both Lugosi and author Bram Stokers designs. Lees sexually charged performance assimilated the Count with a feral sexual disease rather than a simple terror of the night. The combination of lust and malice within Lees performance make his roles as Dracula extremely memorable and easily his most accomplishedbut lets be honest, when you return to a character 10 times youre only ever going to get it down! Whilst the quality of the narratives declined over the years, both Lee and Peter Cushings (as Van Helsing) performances remained as strong as ever. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMAW6RZR2fA Have a favourite or think weve missed one? Want to share your love for one of Britains finest? Drop a comment below!