The Satanic Rites of Dracula

'The Satanic Rites Of Dracula' was the last entry in Hammer's Dracula series which began with the terrific 'Dracula' (aka 'Horror Of Dracula') in 1958. It's supposedly a direct sequel to 'Dracula A.D. 1972', which for me was not only the weakest in the series, but possible the worst Hammer movie I've ever seen. I say "supposedly" because even though once again Peter Cushing plays Van Helsing's grandson Larimer, and his own granddaughter Jessica is featured (with Joanna Lumley replacing Stephanie Beacham), there's no explanation for Dracula's resurrection or any reference to the earlier movie. 'Satanic Rites...' is a definite improvement on '... 1972' though, which was the first Hammer Dracula movie set in the present day. Director Alan Gibson and writer Don Houghton seemed unsure of themselves in the previous film, not knowing whether to play it straight or as pure camp. This movie is more successful on that score and takes a new Bond-like direction which might have breathed new life into the series if given the chance. Christopher Lee was apparently fed up with playing Dracula by this stage, which is a shame as he's always great to watch, and arguably as good as Lugosi in the role. Lee unfortunately has very little screen time in this movie but really makes the most of what he's given, especially his few scenes with Cushing. Michael Coles (who had a bit part in 'Dracula A.D. 1972) and William Franklyn ('Quatermass 2') are reasonably effective heroes, Scotland Yard men investigating a secret cult of Satanists led by a mysterious recluse D.D. Denham (guess who), but Cushing steals the show, as does David Lynch regular Freddie Jones who plays an unbalanced scientist. Joanna Lumley, just two years from playing Purdey in 'The New Avengers', looks delicious but doesn't get to do all that much. Too bad there was more Lumley and Cushing (and Lee) and less Coles and Franklyn. As to the climax which many people seem to hate, well I won't spoil it, but I thought it was effective enough. If you're unfamiliar with Hammer's Dracula series I suggest you stick with the two best 'Dracula' and 'Dracula: Prince Of Darkness'. Unless like me you're mad for the Cushing and Lee team you can give 'The Satanic Rites Of Dracula' a miss. As an alternative I instead highly recommend the non-Hammer 'Horror Express'. Too bad that wasn't their final screen pairing not this!

The last film in Hammer's Dracula-cycle certainly isn't the best in the series but it remains fascinating to see how the legendary horror studios continue to bring variation to the old theme. After all, Dracula once started out as a subversive myth and in this film he's used like a metaphor to generalize "new" forms of evil such as diseases, the apocalypse, greed and fraud. The elaboration of "Satanic Rites of Dracula" isn't always as professional as it should be, but – for Hammer fans – there are more than enough elements to enjoy, including Cushing & Lee in their finest form and a grotesquely violent climax. Compared to most Hammer films, however, this title contains less action and a lot more talking. The setting in present time is something you support or not…but even if you don't really like the combination of count Dracula and luxurious skyscrapers, I think you should still appreciate the efforts Alan Gibson is making to uphold the vile image of our bloodsucking friend. The Satanic Rites of Dracula is the last film in the series and definitely worth checking out if you're fan of the Lee-Cushing team or just Hammer in general.

In this the last of the Hammer Dracula films, screenwriters tried to add a touch of James Bond, with Dracula heading a SPECTRE-like organization bent on world destruction and, of course, out to suck a little blood on his way to Armageddon. There is a bevy of pretty vampire girls, and loads of tooth and nail struggles to the death, but not much of this is very engrossing. Part of the problem is the laughable looking horde of motorcycle thugs who serve the evil count, as all seem to be dressed in clothing that makes them look like refugees from London's Carnaby Street; their hairstyles only underscore this impression. Hammer should have ended the franchise earlier.

I guess Christopher Lee had had enough of Dracula, and this was his swan song. This has a clever twist, bringing the old guy back one more time. It involves the Count trying to bring a plague on humanity by using a group of significant businessmen to do his bidding. Of course, it's the same old crosses made by two sticks of wood, and so on. Cushing does his usual spooky character, this time a latter day Van Helsing. I have to say I enjoyed it.

Although it's Hammer movie about Dracula, with Christopher Lee in the lead role, this is not a horror but a conspiracy crime thriller. Nevertheless, despite the original approach to the topic, an interesting idea and a good cast, the film is quite boring. 5/10