Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968)

When Castle Dracula is exorcised by the Monsignor, it accidentally brings the Count back from the dead. Dracula follows the Monsignor back to his hometown, preying on the holy man's beautiful niece and her friends.

Director:

Freddie Francis

Writers:

Anthony Hinds (screenplay) (as John Elder), Bram Stoker (based on the character created by)

Stars:

Christopher Lee, Rupert Davies, Veronica Carlson

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Christopher Lee	...	Dracula
Rupert Davies	...	Monsignor
Veronica Carlson	...	Maria
Barbara Ewing	...	Zena
Barry Andrews	...	Paul
Ewan Hooper	...	Priest
Marion Mathie	...	Anna
Michael Ripper	...	Max
John D. Collins	...	Student
George A. Cooper	...	Landlord
Christopher Cunningham	...	Farmer (as Chris Cunningham)
Norman Bacon	...	Altar boy

Storyline

When his castle is exorcised, Dracula plots his revenge against the Monsignor who performed the rites by attempting to make the holy man's young niece his bride.

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Plot Keywords:

count dracula character | psychotronic film | monsignor | castle | revenge | 

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Taglines:

The Most Horrific Dracula Film Ever Made - and HAMMER say so!

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Horror | Romance

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Certificate:

G

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sir Christopher Lee loved to recount the following tale: Hammer was given a Queen's Award to Industry while shooting the final scenes of Dracula impaled on the rocks, with a group of British government dignitaries watching as Lee thrashed around screaming and pouring with gore. After the scene wrapped, a minister turned to his wife and said, "That man is a member of my club."

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Goofs

When Paul stakes Dracula in the tavern basement, the Priest says that Paul must also say a prayer otherwise Dracula will not die. Paul does not, and Dracula recovers. But at the end of the film, Paul pushes Dracula over the cliff where he is impaled on the cross, and this time the Priest says a prayer, which destroys Dracula. This means that the person that stakes a vampire does not have to be the one to say the prayer in order for the vampire to be destroyed. So why did the Priest not say the same prayer at the first staking? He may have been partially under Dracula's control then, but he had enough free will to tell Paul to say a prayer to destroy Dracula, which would have released him from Dracula's control.

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Quotes

Paul: [the Monsignor is asking Paul about his church affiliation] I don't go to church, sir.
Monsignor Ernest Mueller: [Surprised] You don't go to church?
Paul: No, sir.
Monsignor Ernest Mueller: You're not a Protestant, are you?
Paul: No, sir.
Monsignor Ernest Mueller: Thank heaven for that!
Paul: [a bit hesitant] I am an atheist, sir.
Monsignor Ernest Mueller: [Taken aback] I beg your pardon?
Paul: I'm an atheist, sir.
Monsignor Ernest Mueller: You mean you deny the existence of God?
[...]

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Alternate Versions

The UK cinema version was cut by the BBFC to remove some closeup shots of Dracula pulling a stake from his heart. Later video and DVD releases were uncut.

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Connections

Featured in The Horror Hall of Fame (1974)

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Soundtracks

Students' Beer Song
(uncredited)
Written by Tony Colton and Philip Martell

User Reviews

Gorgeous visuals and sumptuous settings but a weak script...

A weak script doesn't hinder "Dracula Has Risen from the Grave" from being absorbing most of the way. It has a weak mid-section full of repetitious scenes of Dracula about to take a bite out of a voluptuous female, scenes that don't advance the plot the way they should.

For this reason, some may find fault with the slow pace of much of the film but there's no denying the impressive look of sets, costumes and the proper Gothic atmosphere. Technicolor captures every bit of the shadows and light, just the way effective B&W photography has always done in the past. And the close-ups of Christopher Lee's bloodshot eyes lingers in the mind long after his infrequent appearance has been made.

That's also part of the problem. The role of Dracula really takes a back seat to others in the cast, all of whom are competent performers. Particularly engaging are Veronica Carlson (as one of Dracula's most sought after victims) and Barry Andrews as her infatuated boyfriend. Andrews plays the role of Paul with a saucy cockiness and a twinkle in his eye, easily making what is essentially a cardboard role a standout among the supporting players by virtue of his earnest performance and personality.

Engaging enough as a typical Dracula thriller, but clearly not the best of the Hammer films in this series. James Bernard's music helps keep the suspense level vibrant enough.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Latin

Release Date:

6 February 1969 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dracula Has Risen from the Grave

Filming Locations:

Black Park Lake, Black Park, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hammer Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1