''Dracula AD 1972'' (1972)

By Crusader1307

The 7^th Hammer Film Studios ‘’Dracula’’ Franchise Films, ‘’Dracula AD 1972’’ was the Studio’s attempt to bring the ‘’Immortal Count’’ into Modern Times (at least 1972), as an appeal to younger audiences. Typical of such Era Films, it featured ‘’Mod London’’, ‘’sexy’’ Girls, Drug use and ‘’funky’’ music. Al; in all, the Film was a failure (but made enough money to continue forward SEVERAL more times). In this version, which starts in 1872 – Dr. Van Helsing (Dracula’s nemesis), is locked into a heated stagecoach battle with Dracula. With the stage crashing and throwing both off, Dracula is impaled on a wooden stage wheel spoke. Van Helsing (mortally wounded), manages to ram the broken wheel deeper in Dracula’s chest – killing Him. Flash forward to 1972, and a Group of ‘’Mod Misfits’’ (one of which happens to be a descendant of Van Helsing). As a lark, their ‘’Leader’’ (a thoroughly rotten Lad and itinerant Devil Worshiper), purchases a vial of dried blood and signet ring – both reputed to be Dracula’s. In a wild ceremony in a deconsecrated Church, The ‘’Master’’ is brought back. His goal? To bring revenge upon ALL Van Helsing’s.  Having it’s moments, ‘’Dracula AD 1972’’ needed A LOT of work. As typical, Christopher Lee detested the typical dialogue – having VERY few speaking parts in the Film (but He did fulfil His Contract). A classic example of 1970s Horror Genre (regardless of The Country), the film isn’t altogether THAT bad – but be warned! It is campy!