Sandra Lent I watched this made for TV movie when it came out when I was 26 years old, and I really liked it at the time. I was and am, a Jack Palance fan, and really liked the way he did Dracula in 1973. Studying it today in more depth, I felt Jack Palance added a new dimension to the Count, that of a man capable of deep feelings, lasting love, sexuality and pain. Palance still managed to portray the dark and powerful sides of Dracula, but he also captured things like sensuality in an exquisite fashion. The set design was excellent, although Carfax didn't look at all dilapidated as Jonathon Harker had described it. It, like every other interior scene in this beautifully filmed movie, was magnificent. The clothing was very Victorian, and everyone wore lovely, richly designed outfits. Every set had its own unique beauty. The camera work was good too. I found some of the acting quite wooden though, especially the acting of Pamela Brown (Mrs. Westenra) and Simon Ward (Arthur Holmwood). Stiff and formal comes to mind. Without any kind of strong character portrayal. This movie didn't stay true to the novel though. Dracula is in love with Lucy, she was his love of old in this vision. And only two men pursue him in an effort to kill him. Jonathon Harker becomes a vampire, to be killed in the end. In Jonathon's scene with the vampire women, the women themselves come across as a bit scary, but also hokey.But, as a Dracula fan, I recommend seeing it. Never enough Drac!!

ozthegreatat42330 Jack Palnce brings a different dimension to the role of Dracula from the other portrayals to date. He indicates in his mere physical presence the mighty warrior and defender of his homeland, more than the others. In this version, directed by Dan Curtis, the creator of another famous vampire, Barnabas Collins of "Dark Shadows." Dracula is handled with a bit more sympathy but also with more resolve. I am not saying that other versions were that much more superior, but this version definitely deserves its place in the collections of any Dracula fanatic. Just a tiny tidbit of trivia: The Character of Dracula has been created in film more times than any other in history, with Sherlock Holmes coming in a close second. The rest of the cast is adequate if not dazzling, but it is Palance's performance that stands out, almost a one man show.

boettcher30259 The reason why I say that is because I remember the apartments we were living in in Atlanta, Ga. at the time I seen this movie on television. My father was working at the Television station and called home to tell me to watch it on the afternoon, "Dialing for Dollars" show. We moved yearly when I was in grade schools and these apartments were the ones we lived in when I was in the third grade. The third grade was 1970-1971. I dug out my VHS copy of this same movie and it shows a 1970 Copy-right. I wonder how anyone could double check this? But anyway, this has to be the best Dracula yet. Jack Palace snarling like an animal and seemed to have that aurora of evil about him. Then there is Dan Curtis only wanting to do one take of each scene so that the actors had to recover from their goofs like normal people would in a normal conversation makes this a very enjoyable event.

lancaster2778 This version was my first Dracula movie. I was a sheltered, impressionable young girl at the time I watched it on TV. I didn't know about Dracula or Jack Palance--or horror. I stayed awake that entire night expecting Dracula to appear in the bedroom doorway. This movie should have scared me then; I was 10. After I saw this movie, I felt different about things. I know that in the oncoming decades other versions were made; I've seen some of them. I had the opportunity to see this Dracula for the second time in my life a few months back; it scared me as it scared me decades ago. There's something about the way this movie 'tastes' that enables the horror within it to remain pure and palpable. The cast and crew captured the pure essence of Dracula's horror on film for future generations to experience. From the music to the surroundings to Jack Palance, everything about this movie lends itself to the viewer's experience of a true horror classic. Jack Palance's portrayal of The Count is sheer perfection. From the top of his black patent leather hair to the bottom of his black patent leather boots, he's diabolic horror personified. So, I invite you to get your hands on a copy of this version; sit down and let this movie wash over you. Just make sure it's in the middle of the day and all the lights are on in your 'pad'. Oh, this version isn't perfect, but--the--horror--within--it--is. Bela, watch out!