Sheer, all out fun. This movie had its tongue in its cheek even in 1944, and seems even more enjoyably loony today. It is by no means lacking in
Gothic atmosphere. The opening scene of the vampire rising from his grave to leave the decrepit cemetery, and vanish into the fog, is marvelous. Lugosi is at his most arrogant and commanding here, giving you an idea of how great he must have been on stage in live performances of Dracula. He gives orders to his werewolf henchman and sneers threats and insults at his enemies, all in that ominous Transylvanian baritone. Frieda Inescourt is a wonderful no-nonsense female version of Van Helsing, and lovely Nina Foch has a dreamy, sleepwalking air that suits her maiden in distress role perfectly. Veteran British comic actor Billy Bevan has a nice bit as an air raid warden, arguing with a timid coworker ,about whose duty it is to re-bury the dead that have been tossed all around after German bombs have hit the cemetery. The film is largely an uncredited remake of Dracula, with bits of Dracula's Daughter thrown in also. There are some funny parts that really are funny, such as when two befuddled Scotland Yard men report to their chief that they were trying to apprehend a suspect, but he got away when...The chief irritably asks what happened next and they report that " He turned into a wolf, Sir." The werewolf in question is the long-suffering Andreas Obry, played by Matt Willis, who in face and manner of dress suggests Lon Chaney, Jr. This movie is worth seeing if for no other reason than the wonderful scenes in which the chatty werewolf discusses their plans with his vampire boss. He not only talks, but laughs, grins and speaks in a strangely melodious voice, while gleefully rocking back and forth. Not many viewers have seen a talkative werewolf very often, and especially not one who puts so much enthusiasm into his conversation. He is sonorous and almost poetic when he raps on the coffin and advises his master that it's time to get up, because it's " beautiful silent night, with the fog creeping in." This movie is simply priceless, an almost forgotten little gem from Hollywood's Golden Age of horror movies. Don't miss it if you get the opportunity to see it.
Gothic atmosphere. The opening scene of the vampire rising from his grave to leave the decrepit cemetery, and vanish into the fog, is marvelous. Lugosi is at his most arrogant and commanding here, giving you an idea of how great he must have been on stage in live performances of Dracula. He gives orders to his werewolf henchman and sneers threats and insults at his enemies, all in that ominous Transylvanian baritone. Frieda Inescourt is a wonderful no-nonsense female version of Van Helsing, and lovely Nina Foch has a dreamy, sleepwalking air that suits her maiden in distress role perfectly. Veteran British comic actor Billy Bevan has a nice bit as an air raid warden, arguing with a timid coworker ,about whose duty it is to re-bury the dead that have been tossed all around after German bombs have hit the cemetery. The film is largely an uncredited remake of Dracula, with bits of Dracula's Daughter thrown in also. There are some funny parts that really are funny, such as when two befuddled Scotland Yard men report to their chief that they were trying to apprehend a suspect, but he got away when...The chief irritably asks what happened next and they report that " He turned into a wolf, Sir." The werewolf in question is the long-suffering Andreas Obry, played by Matt Willis, who in face and manner of dress suggests Lon Chaney, Jr. This movie is worth seeing if for no other reason than the wonderful scenes in which the chatty werewolf discusses their plans with his vampire boss. He not only talks, but laughs, grins and speaks in a strangely melodious voice, while gleefully rocking back and forth. Not many viewers have seen a talkative werewolf very often, and especially not one who puts so much enthusiasm into his conversation. He is sonorous and almost poetic when he raps on the coffin and advises his master that it's time to get up, because it's " beautiful silent night, with the fog creeping in." This movie is simply priceless, an almost forgotten little gem from Hollywood's Golden Age of horror movies. Don't miss it if you get the opportunity to see it.