Terence Fisher’s DRACULA (HORROR OF DRACULA in the USA; 1958) is the best vampire film of all time. No other picture combines the right amounts of horror, humor, action, and eroticism. Britain’s Hammer Films is legendary for their horror films–this is the best of them all. Although quite different from the book in many ways, I feel this picture captures the spirit of Stoker’s work better than the more literal adaptations. Everything works here–Fisher’s tight, crisp pacing, James Bernard’s throbbing, full-blooded score, and especially the acting. Christopher Lee inherits the role of Dracula from Lugosi and makes it his own–he still holds the record for most film performances as the Count. Peter Cushing is the definitive Dr. Van Helsing–by turns tough and tender, his interpretation far outshines those of far better known actors–Anthony Hopkins and Laurence Olivier played the part later, but their performances were totally inferior to Cushing’s. And how about Michael Gough–Alfred in the recent BATMAN films–as Holmwood? He’s a treat in his own right! Lugosi came first, and later films spent more money; however, the best combination of all elements is in HORROR OF DRACULA. It is required viewing for all vampire fans.