TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA (1970, UK, 95m, 15) ***
Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller
dist. Warner-Pathé Distributors (UK), Warner Bros. (USA); pr co. Hammer Films; d. Peter Sasdy; w. Anthony Hinds (based on the character created by Bram Stoker); pr. Aida Young; ph. Arthur Grant (Technicolor | 1.85:1); m. James Bernard; ed. Chris Barnes; ad. Scott MacGregor.
cast: Christopher Lee (Dracula), Geoffrey Keen (William Hargood), Gwen Watford (Martha Hargood), Linda Hayden (Alice Hargood), Peter Sallis (Samuel Paxton), Anthony Higgins (Paul Paxton (as Anthony Corlan)), Isla Blair (Lucy Paxton), John Carson (Jonathon Secker), Martin Jarvis (Jeremy Secker), Ralph Bates (Lord Courtley), Roy Kinnear (Weller), Michael Ripper (Cobb), Russell Hunter (Felix), Shirley Jaffe (Hargood’s Maid), Keith Marsh (Father), Peter May (Son), Reginald Barratt (Vicar), Madeline Smith (Dolly), Lai Ling (Chinese Girl), Malaika Martin (Snake Girl).
Lee is confined to the shadows for most of this otherwise effective horror tale. After killing his disciple, three English gentlemen unwittingly resurrect Count Dracula, who seeks to avenge his servant by making the trio die at the hands of their own children. Sasdy directs with a sure hand, conjuring atmosphere from MacGregor’s detailed Edwardian set design. Bernard’s score makes liberal use of motifs used in earlier series films. A strong cast extracts the most they can from Hinds’ otherwise familiar script, with a notable performance from Keen as an overly strict father to Hayden. Followed by SCARS OF DRACULA (1970).
