Dracula (1974)

Set in 1897, a British solicitor (Murray Brown) arrives in Transylvania to meet with the Count Dracula (Jack Palance), who is interested in renting a property in England. When the Count sees a photograph of a young woman (Fiona Lewis) in the solicitor's room, he is determined to travel to England to meet the young girl. Based on the novel by Bram Stoker and directed by Dan Curtis (DARK SHADOWS). According to the Guinness World Records, Dracula is the most filmed literary character in history. How does this telefilm (released theatrically in Europe) stand up to the many adaptations? It's merely okay. It's a nondescript telling of the Stoker tale without any imagination, style or atmosphere. The most interesting thing about it is how relatively restrained Jack Palance's performance as Dracula is. He's not an actor known for his subtlety. There are some talented people behind the camera including cinematographer Oswald Morris (THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING) and costume designer Ruth Myers (L.A. CONFIDENTIAL). With Nigel Davenport, Simon Ward, Pamela Brown and Penelope Horner.