Sameer Callahan
It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.
Lidia Draper
Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.
Jakoba
True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.
Wizard-8
"The Brides of Dracula" is considered by many fans of the Hammer studio to be one of their best efforts. To some degree, I can understand why. First of all, the movie looks very nice, with excellent production values and professional photography. As the vampire hunter, Peter Cushing gives another solid performance, coming across as believably skilled and cunning against his foes. And the movie has a pretty good climax that you'll remember for a long time afterwards.But at the same time, I couldn't help but notice some flaws, namely with the script. The first thirty or so minutes are pretty good, fast-paced and with a lot going on. But after the thirty minute mark, there are a number of long and slow bits where little to nothing important is happening. Some actions from the characters are a bit hard to swallow, like how the heroine decides to free the Baron from his being chained up after talking to him for just a minute or two. And it's odd that the vampire Baron actually doesn't appear that much in the movie despite him being the main threat.Don't get me wrong - if you are a fan of Hammer horror movies, you'll probably enjoy this particular production. But if you are unfamiliar with Hammer, I would suggest you first watch some of their other (and better) productions to get an idea if you'll enjoy this somewhat flawed one.
Prichards12345
The Brides of Dracula, it may surprise first time viewers to know, is notable for the absence of Christopher Lee, and much speculation has ensued as to why he didn't recreate his most famous role. Lee himself always claimed he was never offered a chance to appear; but it's possible that Hammer, having focused on the Baron in their Frankenstein pictures, decided to focus on Van Helsing in its vampire ones - a perfectly logical choice as they considered Peter Cushing their star name.Whatever the reason, this is a terrific movie, with only its episodic script reducing its effectiveness. Beautifully photographed by Jack Asher in his last Hammer Horror movie; superbly directed by Terence Fisher. And of course, Peter Cushing himself on top form.David Peel makes an excellent vampire nemesis for Cushing's Helsing, and in an opening prologue is set free by Marianne Daniel (Yvonne Monlaur) - a finishing school teacher on her way to a new job. It's strongly implied that the Baroness Meinster (a wonderfully icy yet ultimately sympathetic Martita Hunt) has offered her shelter merely in order to satisfy her son's blood-lust. In a rather kinky touch once loose Peel's first victim is his own mother!Enter Van Helsing, and from here Peter Cushing's authoritative performance totally dominates the movie. We get a stylish fight between Van Helsing and Meinster, a brilliant sequence where faithful servant Greta (Freda Jackson) coaxes a new-born vampire from the grave, and the classic scene where the locks fall off a coffin as Marianne watches over it. Only the rather comical bat disrupts enjoyment, prompting laughs rather than terror.All told, this is brilliant Hammer Horror, Cushing himself is vampirised towards the end and in a gruelling sequence, burns the bite from his neck with a red hot branding iron. Startling stuff at the time and still effective today.
Leofwine_draca
An excellent slice of early Hammer, showcasing all of the Gothic atmosphere we have come to expect from the company. THE BRIDES OF Dracula has a fast pace, which is somewhat unusual compared to other films of the time, but it keeps the action moving along nicely and the tension never lets up for a second. The sets for this film are excellent and the camera-work also impressive. It is an injustice to merely say that the film looks nice; it is in fact beautiful. If one film were needed to showcase Hammer horror at it's finest, then this would be it.Peter Cushing is once again superb in his role as the stern Doctor Van Helsing, courageous and brave, battling the vampires at every turn. Yvonne Monlaur is also very pretty in her role as the heroine, and is not the screaming girl we are used to seeing in some other Hammer films. She is more than adequate and quite memorable too. David Peel looks suitably handsome as the Baron, and there is something strange about him which makes him a very good vampire.There are a number of substantial supporting actors and actresses, such as Martita Hunt, a suitably fearsome old woman, and Freda Jackson who gives a performance which recalls Dwight Frye in some aspects (the manic laughter being one). Miles Malleson turns up as comic relief yet again after his role in Hammer's original Dracula, and it is always a pleasure to see Michael Ripper in a role, however small.With excellent production values, an appropriately powerful score, and some very memorable scenes, as well as a brilliant ending (truly ingenious), this film is a good, well-rounded slice of Gothic dread from Hammer. There are even some Freudian elements added into the brew. The only criticism would be that the plot is rather shallow and simple, but that doesn't detract from the film at all. A worthy sequel in every sense of the word.
Lucabrasisleeps
It is a creepy movie in its own right. In some ways it had some better scenes than the original Dracula movie. For example the scene with one of the brides waking up from the grave. The first couple of minutes with the scenes in the castle were also quite atmospheric and set the tone for the rest of the movie. Yvonne Monlaur as Marianne is absolutely gorgeous. She carries the movie even if her character does do certain stupid things which may be avoidable. I was screaming at her "why don't you mind your own business!". But anyway that sets the movie into motion and then of course Baron meinster creates havoc in the village. Obviously only Dr.Van Helsing can save the day and he does in somewhat funny fashion towards the end. But there were some problems. First of course the fact that Marianne could have been told the whole story first itself and she could have been guarded better if she knew the truth. This could have avoided a whole host of problems. Then there is the issue of the ending. What the hell was that? That may have been one of the most ridiculous moments in vampire movie history. At first I didn't understand what was going on. Then I saw this lame attempt to kill the vampire and I was almost laughing at the end. It was also hilarious to watch the 2 vampire brides just standing there looking curiously while Van helsing tends to his wounds. I guess they were also curious to be cured. They were so transfixed by what he was doing that they didn't have the guts to go out I think. Even though they could fly like bats. The whole bat concept should not exist in my opinion. That makes vampire a little invincible. Anyway in the ending, their bat changing ways couldn't help them. The final third of the movie is just not satisfying enough for me so I can't give it a good rating. But it is still worth a watch because it is quite atmospheric for the most part.5/10
