In 1897, a disturbing Count Dracula, portrayed by Jack Palance, establishes himself in London after securing property from Jonathan Harker. He then becomes infatuated with a woman who bears a striking resemblance to his deceased spouse from centuries prior, encountering resistance from Van Helsing and his assistant (played by Nigel Davenport and Simon Ward). Penelope Horner appears as Mina. “Dracula” (1974), directed by Dan Curtis and penned by Richard Matheson adapting Bram Stoker’s Victorian horror novel, presents a more relatable Dracula than Christopher Lee's depiction in the Hammer films, though he remains an imposing figure, especially during the latter portion of the film. Though produced as a television movie in America, it received theatrical release internationally and possessed a budget comparable to "Horror of Dracula" (1958). The atmosphere is effectively established from the beginning with scenes featuring canines—suggesting werewolves—at a castle located in Croatia. I appreciate the Gothic/Victorian set design throughout, and Palance delivers a believable performance as a Prince of Darkness. While it doesn’t surpass the 1979 film starring Frank Langella or Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 adaptation, this version is nonetheless a respectable take on the frequently revisited story. The movie has a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes and was filmed at Trakoscan Castle in Croatia, as well as various locations in the Greater London area, England, including Oakley Court in Windsor (Carfax Abbey). GRADE: B

Source on TMDB