This film has come in for a hammering (forgive the pun), but I think it is better than it is given credit for. Granted production values leave something to be desired, but on the credit side the film breaks it links with the preceeding ones in the series, and does make an attempt (albeit a late one) to get back to a story that approximates the orghinal. Moreover, Christopher Lee is given much more to do, than in some of the sequals where his appearance either comes late in the day, or his presence is almost secondary in importance. The final climax is far superior too. Dracula just doesn't suffer destruction by the cross, but is struck by lightening, and goes up in flames. Most 'Hammer' films have to be taken with a large pinch of salt, and if approached in this way, this film does merit a watch.

(Horror of) Dracula, Brides of Dracula, Dracula Prince of Darkness, Dracula Has Risen from the Grave, Taste the Blood of Dracula - all classic horrors from Hammer Studios. This one is the first dud in the series, however. Production values are poor, and Christopher Lee is looking rather weary. A strong hero along the lines of Peter Cushing's Van Helsing or Andrew Keir's Father Sandor is lacking. What a bore!