Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972)

Johnny Alucard raises Count Dracula from the dead in London in 1972. The Count goes after the descendants of Van Helsing.

Director:

Alan Gibson

Writer:

Don Houghton (screen-play)

Stars:

Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Stephanie Beacham

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christopher Lee	...	Count Dracula
Peter Cushing	...	Professor Lorrimer Van Helsing
Stephanie Beacham	...	Jessica Van Helsing
Christopher Neame	...	Johnny Alucard
Michael Coles	...	Inspector Murray
Marsha A. Hunt	...	Gaynor (as Marsha Hunt)
Caroline Munro	...	Laura Bellows
Janet Key	...	Anna
William Ellis	...	Joe Mitcham
Philip Miller	...	Bob
Michael Kitchen	...	Greg
David Andrews	...	Detective Sergeant
Lally Bowers	...	Matron
Constance Luttrell	...	Mrs. Donnelly
Michael Daly	...	Charles

Storyline

In London 1872 - the final battle between Lawrence van Helsing and Count Dracula on top of a coach results in Dracula dying from a stake made from the remains of a wooden wheel. Lawrence dies from his wounds and, as he is buried, a servant of Dracula buries the remains of the stake by the grave and keeps a bottle of Dracula's ashes and the ring. One hundred years later, the colourful 1972, Johnny, the great-grandson of the servant joins up with a "group" containing Jessica, the grand-daughter of the present vampire hunter, Abraham van Helsing and with their unknowing help resurrect Dracula in the 20th Century who is determined to destroy the house of Van Helsing, but who can believe that The king of the Vampires really exists and is alive - in 20th Century London?

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Plot Keywords:

ring | descendant | scotland yard | police | fight | 

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Taglines:

The Count is back, with an eye for London's hotpants . . . and a taste for everything

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Genres:

Horror

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Joseph Van Helsing was born on June 11, 1783 and died on May 2, 1847.

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Goofs

Jessica removes the book "A Treatise on the Black Mass" from her grandfather's library. A few minutes later her grandfather returns the book to its place on the shelf, only now almost all of the other surrounding book titles have changed.

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Quotes

Professor Van Helsing: Do old ideas rest comfortably in an open mind...?

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Crazy Credits

The words "Rest in Final Peace" appear on screen before the end credits roll.

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Connections

Follows Scars of Dracula (1970)

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Soundtracks

You Better Come Through
Written by Tim Barnes
Performed by Stoneground

User Reviews

swinging London with bloodsuckers

An attempt to corner a new market by Hammer. Starts promisingly with references to London and a generation clash as the central characters disrupt a cheese and wine evening . Looked on by their horrified elders they cause mayhem with their new music and wacky clothing which now look all dated and laughable. The resurrection of Dracula is th most impressive part of the film and has been reused regularly in stills footage. The modern settings leave scriptwriters uncertain where to progress next and a desperate Van Helsing searching for his niece is wasted in poor lighting & lack of dialogue. Take the opportunity to enjoy 70s interior decor throughout much of the film. The finale is worth watching alone. Colour's a bit garish but seeing Cushing recite a piece of melancholic Latin is a pleasure we never saw enough of. Watch beginning and end, don't bother with the middle & start your own satanic cult from the black mass scenes. Sects have done that.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Latin

Release Date:

17 November 1972 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dracula A.D. 1972

Filming Locations:

Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hammer Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1