# Dracula

> 1958 film directed by Terence Fisher

**Wikidata**: [Q642842](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q642842)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_(1958_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dracula-q642842

## Summary
*Dracula* is a 1958 British horror film directed by Terence Fisher, produced by Hammer Film Productions, and starring Christopher Lee as Count Dracula. It is a seminal work in the vampire film genre, known for its gothic atmosphere, Lee's iconic portrayal of the vampire, and its influence on subsequent horror cinema.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *Dracula* (also known as *Horror of Dracula* in the U.S.)
- **Release Date**: May 8, 1958 (UK premiere)
- **Director**: Terence Fisher
- **Production Company**: Hammer Film Productions
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom
- **Genre**: Horror film, vampire film
- **Starring**: Christopher Lee (Count Dracula), Peter Cushing (Dr. Van Helsing)
- **Runtime**: 82 minutes
- **IMDb Rating**: 7.7/10
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 89%
- **Metacritic Score**: 67/100
- **Part of Series**: Hammer Horror series
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424 (film), Q18611175 (series)
- **Sitelink Count**: 34 Wikipedia language editions
- **Box Office**: Estimated $3.5 million (1958)
- **Awards**: N/A (but widely regarded as a classic)
- **Legacy**: Established Christopher Lee as a horror icon and revitalized the vampire genre.

## FAQs
**Who directed *Dracula* (1958)?**
The film was directed by Terence Fisher, a key figure in Hammer Film Productions known for his work in gothic horror.

**Who played Count Dracula in the 1958 film?**
Christopher Lee portrayed Count Dracula, delivering a performance that became iconic in horror cinema.

**What is the film’s alternative title?**
In the United States, the film was released as *Horror of Dracula* to emphasize its horror elements.

**What studio produced *Dracula* (1958)?**
The film was produced by Hammer Film Productions, a British studio specializing in horror films.

**What is the film’s significance in the horror genre?**
*Dracula* (1958) revitalized the vampire genre, moving away from Universal’s earlier depictions and introducing a more visceral, colorful, and gothic style.

**How did the film perform at the box office?**
The film was a commercial success, earning an estimated $3.5 million, which was significant for its time.

**Is *Dracula* (1958) part of a series?**
Yes, it is the first in Hammer’s *Dracula* series, which included several sequels starring Christopher Lee.

## Why It Matters
*Dracula* (1958) is a landmark in horror cinema, marking a shift from the black-and-white Universal monsters to a more vibrant, gothic, and visceral style. Christopher Lee’s portrayal of Dracula became definitive, influencing countless subsequent vampire films and establishing Hammer Films as a major force in horror. The film’s success helped revive the horror genre in the late 1950s and early 1960s, paving the way for modern horror aesthetics. Its blend of atmospheric tension, vivid color, and strong performances set a new standard for vampire films, making it a cultural touchstone.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Performance**: Christopher Lee’s portrayal of Dracula is one of the most famous in cinema history.
- **Gothic Aesthetic**: The film’s use of color and gothic sets revolutionized horror visuals.
- **Hammer Horror Legacy**: It launched Hammer’s successful *Dracula* series and solidified the studio’s reputation.
- **Genre Revival**: The film revitalized the vampire genre after decades of decline.
- **Cultural Impact**: Inspired countless horror films, TV shows, and literary works.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Holds strong ratings on IMDb (7.7/10), Rotten Tomatoes (89%), and Metacritic (67/100).
- **Box Office Success**: Earned $3.5 million, a significant achievement for a 1958 horror film.

## Body
### Overview
*Dracula* (1958) is a British horror film directed by Terence Fisher and produced by Hammer Film Productions. It stars Christopher Lee as Count Dracula and Peter Cushing as Dr. Van Helsing. The film is based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel *Dracula* and is the first in Hammer’s *Dracula* series.

### Production and Release
- **Production Company**: Hammer Film Productions, a British studio known for its horror films.
- **Director**: Terence Fisher, who also directed other Hammer classics like *The Curse of Frankenstein* (1957).
- **Release Dates**:
  - UK: May 8, 1958
  - U.S.: May 22, 1958 (as *Horror of Dracula*)
  - Other regions: June 16, 1958 (France), December 12, 1958 (Japan)
- **Budget and Box Office**: Estimated $3.5 million gross, making it a commercial success.

### Cast and Characters
- **Christopher Lee** as Count Dracula: Lee’s performance is iconic, with his towering presence and piercing gaze.
- **Peter Cushing** as Dr. Van Helsing: Cushing’s portrayal of the vampire hunter is equally memorable.
- **Supporting Cast**: Includes Michael Gough, Melissa Stribling, and Carol Marsh.

### Plot Summary
The film follows Dr. Van Helsing as he battles Count Dracula, who has resurrected and begun preying on victims in England. The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Van Helsing and Dracula, with the latter being defeated by sunlight.

### Reception and Legacy
- **Critical Reception**: The film was praised for its atmosphere, performances, and innovative use of color. It holds a 7.7/10 on IMDb, 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 67/100 on Metacritic.
- **Cultural Impact**: *Dracula* (1958) revitalized the vampire genre and influenced subsequent horror films. It established Christopher Lee as a horror icon and cemented Hammer Films’ reputation.
- **Sequels**: The film spawned several sequels, including *Dracula: Prince of Darkness* (1966) and *Dracula Has Risen from the Grave* (1968).

### Technical Details
- **Runtime**: 82 minutes
- **Genre**: Horror, vampire film
- **Language**: English
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424
- **IMDb ID**: tt0051554
- **Freebase ID**: /m/02_pcj

### Related Entities
- **Hammer Film Productions**: The British studio behind the film, known for its gothic horror output.
- **Christopher Lee**: The actor who played Dracula, later knighted for his contributions to film.
- **Terence Fisher**: The director, a key figure in Hammer’s success.
- **Peter Cushing**: The actor who played Van Helsing, another Hammer horror staple.

### Awards and Recognition
While the film did not win major awards, it is widely regarded as a classic and has been celebrated in retrospectives and horror film festivals.

### Availability and Media
- **Home Media**: Released on DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming platforms.
- **Restorations**: The film has been restored and re-released in high-definition formats.

### Trivia
- The film was shot at Bray Studios, Hammer’s primary filming location.
- Christopher Lee’s Dracula was the first to show fangs on-screen.
- The film’s success led to a resurgence in vampire films in the 1960s and 1970s.

### Conclusion
*Dracula* (1958) remains a cornerstone of horror cinema, blending gothic atmosphere, strong performances, and innovative filmmaking. Its influence extends beyond its genre, shaping modern horror aesthetics and inspiring generations of filmmakers.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051554/)
2. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=27138.html)
3. [Source](http://www.ofdb.de/film/1248,Dracula)
4. [Source](http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/dracula-film)
5. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051554/fullcredits)
6. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
7. Letterboxd
8. The Movie Database
9. Horror of Dracula. Rotten Tomatoes
10. Freebase Data Dumps
11. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051554/releaseinfo)
12. Kinopoisk
13. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/horror-of-dracula/)
14. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
15. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/21439)
16. Bechdel Test Movie List
17. mymovies.it
18. Dracula
19. IMDb
20. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/733F-3478-FC8A-007A-DC91-3)
21. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
22. Trakt.tv
23. FilmVandaag.nl