Son of Dracula (1974)

Due to be crowned King of the Netherworld by his mentor Merlin the Magician at a monster's convention Count Downe, the son of Count Dracula, falls in love with the beautiful but human Amber... See full summary »

Director:

Freddie Francis

Writer:

Jennifer Jayne

Stars:

Harry Nilsson, Ringo Starr, Dennis Price

Cast

Credited cast:
Harry Nilsson	...	Count Downe
Ringo Starr	...	Merlin, the Magician
Dennis Price	...	Van Helsing
Suzanna Leigh	...	Amber
Freddie Jones	...	Dr. Frankenstein
Peter Frampton	...	Musician
Keith Moon	...	Musician
John Bonham	...	Musician
Rosanna Lee	...	Girl
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
David Bailie	...	Brian
Morris Bush	...	Monster
Shakira Caine	...	Housekeeper (as Shakira Baksh)
Ricki Farr	...	Musician
Bobby Keyes	...	Musician
Nita Lorraine	...	Gorgon Woman

Storyline

Due to be crowned King of the Netherworld by his mentor Merlin the Magician at a monster's convention Count Downe, the son of Count Dracula, falls in love with the beautiful but human Amber and finds himself in conflict with Baron Frankenstein who is vying for the same honorary title.

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Plot Keywords:

dracula | vampire | independent film | character name in title

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Taglines:

The First Rock-and-Roll Dracula Movie!

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Genres:

Comedy | Horror | Musical

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 April 1974 (USA)

Also Known As:

Young Dracula

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Apple Corps

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

David Bowie was originally considered for the role of Count Downe.

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Connections

Remake of Son of Dracula (1943)

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Soundtracks

"Down"
Written by Harry Nilsson
Performed by Harry Nilsson
Produced by Richard Perry

User Reviews

Good for a Larf

Yes, this is indeed a movie, albeit one very difficult to get your hands on--try the internet, it was never officially released on video. This is basically a plot less showcase for the musical genius that was Harry Nilsson. He plays the son of Count Dracula--named Count Downe [groan]--who wants to be mortal so he can marry this woman he's in love with. Or something like that. Ringo Starr looks after Count Downe as Merlin the Magician--with pasty makeup and a fright-wig beard--for some reason, but it really doesn't matter. In fact, there are no full-fledged musical numbers--just Count Downe appearing on-stage at some club and performing--with the exception of his Pete Hamm cover "Without You," in a particularly sappy scene.

It also features strange attempts at comedy. Count Downe's butler uses the word "contretemps" in conversation, then the word appears at the bottom of the screen with a question mark beside it. And the fact that at the end of the credits, Merlin appears in an animated sun and shrugs in an oh-so Ringo way, just proves that--despite its many schlocky tendencies--it is worth a look, if it's not too much trouble.