Picture

The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973)

Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller     Rated R

Plot

In London in the 1970s, Scotland Yard police investigators think they have uncovered a case of vampirism. They call in an expert vampire researcher named Van Helsing (a descendant of the great vampire-hunter himself, no less) to help them put a stop to these hideous crimes. It becomes apparent that the culprit is Count Dracula himself, disguised as a reclusive property developer, but secretly plotting to unleash a fatal virus upon the world.

Acting

Features Hammer veterans Christophe Lee (His final hammer film as Dracula) and Peter Cushing (as Van Helsing once again), and while it's neither's best performance, they both clearly mastered there roles.

Gore

Vampire bites some gunshots and stabbings.

Sex/Nudity

A oft nude sacrifice and vampire who slips some boob while being staked.

Final Thoughts

Hammer films aren't typically the most exhilarating movies, but usual tell a good story and are acted very well, and that is essentially what you get here, though it may have a little more action than most. This is slightly better than most of the later day hammer films, and probably my favorite of there Dracula entries (although I've only seen 2-3). Check it out, it can often be found in discount movie packs and sometimes in those $1 movies found at Wal-Mart, Family Dollar, etc..

Overall Rating

C+