Count Dracula (1977) (TV)

Director:

Philip Saville

Writers:

Gerald Savory (adaptation)
Bram Stoker (novel)

Release Date:

22 December 1977 (UK)

Genre:

Horror

Plot:

For those familiar with Bram Stoker's novel, this adaptation follows the book quite closely in most respects...

Plot Keywords:

Dracula | Transylvania | Vampire | Infra Red | Negative Footage

Awards:

3 nominations

Cast

Louis Jourdan	...	Count Dracula
Frank Finlay	...	Abraham van Helsing
Susan Penhaligon	...	Lucy Westenra
Judi Bowker	...	Wilhelmina 'Mina' Westenra
Jack Shepherd	...	Renfield
Mark Burns	...	Dr. John Seward
Bosco Hogan	...	Jonathan Harker
Richard Barnes	...	Quincey P. Holmwood
Ann Queensberry	...	Mrs. Westenra
George Raistrick	...	Bowles
George Malpas	...	Swales
Michael Macowan	...	Mr. Hawkins
Susie Hickford	...	Dracula's Bride
Belinda Meuldijk	...	Dracula's Bride
Sue Vanner	...	Dracula's Bride

Also Known As:

Great Performances: Count Dracula (USA) (series title)

Runtime:

150 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

The characters of Quincy P. Morris and Arthur Holmwood from the novel have been combined here into one character: Quincy P. Holmwood.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: The shaving mirror scene: when Harker moves, there is a slight but noticeable delay, with his reflection moving just before he does. This occurs a few times, and makes it obvious that a trick mirror (possibly a Chromakey screen) is being used.

Quotes:

Count Dracula: I expect you are anxious to return to England.
Jonathan Harker: I should like to start back soon, it's true.
Count Dracula: Very well. Write a letter to your friends, saying that you have already left the Castle and arrived at Bistritz, where you are awaiting the weekly express.
Jonathan Harker: [suspiciously] May I ask with what object, sir?
Count Dracula: The posts are few, and uncertain. Writing now will ease the minds of Mister Hawkins and your fiancee.
Jonathan Harker: Count Dracula.
Count Dracula: Yes?
Jonathan Harker: I have been struck by a curious fact.
Count Dracula: Yes?
Jonathan Harker: I've not seen a single servant since I've been here. Yet my meals are served. My bed is made. Tell me, are we alone in the Castle?
[...]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Dracula: A Cinematic Scrapbook (1991)

The Best

Forget Coppola. This is as good as it gets. Although the budget looks meagre, and -- because of length -- some characters and events get cut or shortchanged, this is still the best "Dracula" out there. Jourdan is at once understated and menacing, the perfect Dracula. Judi Bowker is the best Mina ever. If you can find this movie, add it to your collection. Until someone makes a two-night miniseries with a decent budget and sound actorsand follows Stoker to the letter, this is the best "Dracula" you'll ever see.