It can be a difficult thing to continue making movies, with the same character. That is the challenge of making Dracula Has Risen From the Grave. The prince of darkness, was given screen immortality, with Bela Lugosi’s portrayal in 1931. The actor was typecast, and died in near obscurity in 1956. The role of the the bloodthirsty count, was taken over by Christopher Lee in 1958, and reprised in 1966. Dracula Has Risen From the Grave, is the third in the horror series. It doesn’t have the look or feel of the first two movies. It is sustained by Lee, who has gotten comfortable in the role.
This movie, like the previous one, has religious overtones, and two characters are priests. One is a Monsignor, (Rupert Davies), and the other priest, (Ewan Hooper), says mass in a church that has no congregation. The reason for this is Dracula’s castle cast a shadow over the church. The villagers fear that there is a curse on it. They do make merry despite this, drinking away their fears. One of them is a student named Paul, (Barry Andrews). He loves the Monsignor’s niece, Maria, (Veronica Carlson). Ironically, in a village cursed by Dracula, Paul is an atheist. This is something he unwisely admits later to the Monsignor, while under the influence of alcohol.
The Monsignor, unhappy with a vacant church, takes the priest and a large cross, and proceeds to the castle. The journey is done with great effect. There are challenging hills that are climbed in shrouding mists. The priest leaves in fear. The Monsignor proceeds with his mission, placing the cross on the door. While the priest is running in the opposite direction, he slips and cuts his head. The ice containing Dracula cracks and breaks. The blood from the priest, revives Dracula. He then makes the priest his slave. This allows Dracula to find a victim, Zena, the barmaid, (Barbara Ewing).
The count proceeds to his castle and finds that he is locked out of his home. He asks the priest who is responsible. When learning it is the Monsignor, he comes up with an evil plan. He will turn Maria into a vampire. This sets in motion a series of events that lead to a showdown, between good men and an evil monster.
The supporting cast in the movie help it. Rupert Davies is strong in his role as the man of God, who risks all for the church. Barry Andrews as Paul brings some lighthearted humor to the movie. Barbara Ewing does well as Zena, particularly when she becomes one of the undead. She becomes jealous when Dracula wants Maria and not her. Maria is played well by Veronica Carlson. She is very good, when hysterically describing Dracula as the man with red eyes.
The story written by Anthony Hinds, is brought together by Freddie Francis. He does a more than credible job, filling in for Terence Fisher, who was hurt in an accident and was incapacitated. Hinds had a lot of experience as a cinematographer, winning two academy academy awards, before directing this film. The movie worked well and became Hammer studios highest grossing film. He went on to direct more films for the studio. Francis’ directing debut could have been awkward and amateurish, but it wasn’t. It continued the studios reputation for well made horror.