This movie is the fourth in Hammer Studio’s Dracula series. Its catchy title and Christopher Lee’s return, would seem to be a good exercise in horror. This isn’t the case. The movie never has the look or feel of the three previous films. Its major distinction is its rating. The movie earned a R rating for violence and nudity. The first for the studio.
A traveling merchant witnesses the destruction of Dracula. He has the foresight to gather Dracula’s blood and clothes. He then goes to London, where very bored and wealthy Englishmen approach him. This is at the request of Lord Courtley, (Ralph Bates). He has been shunned by the aristocracy, because he practices black magic. This doesn’t matter to William Hargood, (Geoffrey Keen). He is the leader of the three bored aristocrats. Courtley promises they will get their money’s worth.
The charming but foolish Courtley, begins a ritual, donning Dracula’s clothes. He completes the ritual by drinking the count’s blood. This ritual does not go well. Courtley begins choking and convulsing. He cries out for help. The three Englishmen respond by murdering him. The ritual does succeed in resurrecting Dracula.
The king of the vampires is angry at the death of Courtley. He comes up with a unique revenge plan. He will cause harm to their children, starting with Alice Hargood, (Linda Hayden). Dracula turns Alice, who in turn gets the other family members to become like her. This puts the three men into a panic. It also lets Paul Paxton, (Anthony Higgins), try to get his sweetheart, Alice, free from the dark lords control.
One of the defect of this film, is the absence of a known director. Peter Sasdy had previous experience in television. It shows and the feel of the previous movies is not there. The script, written by Anthony Hinds is a good reason why the movie disappoints. The resurrection of Dracula, through black magic is different, but could have been done differently. Sasdy had written the two previous films as well as other horror movies. He should have known better, and tried another method.
Christopher Lee did not want to do this movie. He was probably justified. Hammer’s partner, would not make the movie without him. Vincent Price was rumored to join the trio of bored arisocrats. Budget cuts prevented it. He would have helped this film. Taste the Blood of Dracula proves that success in horror is difficult. It would be better to watch the first three Dracula films, than watch low budget horror like this.