House of Dracula

Plot synopsis:
Count Dracula (Carradine) greets the castle's owner, Dr. Franz Edelmann (Onslow Stevens). The Count, who introduces himself as "Baron Latos", explains that he has come to Visaria to find a cure for his vampirism. Dr. Edelmann agrees to help. Together with his assistants, Milizia (Martha O'Driscoll) and the hunchbacked Nina (Poni Adams), he has been working on a mysterious plant, the clavaria formosa, whose spores have the ability to reshape bone. Edelmann explains that he thinks vampirism can be cured by a series of blood transfusions. Dracula agrees to this, and Edelmann uses his own blood for the transfusions.
That night, Lawrence Talbot (Chaney Jr.) arrives at the castle. He demands to see Dr. Edelmann about a cure for his lycanthropy. Talbot is asked to wait. Knowing that the moon is rising, Talbot has himself incarcerated by the police. A crowd of curious villagers gathers outside the police station, led by the suspicious Steinmuhl (Skelton Knaggs). Inspector Holtz (Lionel Atwill) asks Edelmann to see Talbot, and as the full moon rises, they both witness his transformation into the Wolfman. Edelmann and Milizia have him transferred to the castle the next morning. Edelmann tells him that he believes that Talbot's transformations are not triggered by the moonlight, but by pressure on the brain. He believes he can relieve the pressure, but Talbot must wait for him to gather more mold from his spores. Despondent by the thought of becoming the Wolfman again, Talbot says he wants to kill himself and jumps into the ocean. He ends up in a cave below the castle.
Edelmann searches for him and finds that Talbot survived the fall, but has turned into the Wolfman. The Wolfman attacks, but suddenly returns to his human form. In the cave, they find the catatonic Frankenstein monster (Strange), still clutching the skeleton of Dr. Niemann. Humidity in the cave is perfect for propagating the clavaria formosa, and a natural tunnel in the cave connects to a basement of the castle. Dr. Edelmann takes the monster back to his lab, but considers it too dangerous to revive him.
The Count tries to seduce Milizia and make her a vampire, but Milizia wards him off with a cross. Edelmann interrupts to explain that he has found strange antibodies in the Count's blood, requiring another transfusion. Nina begins shadowing Milizia, who is weakened by Dracula's presence; Nina notices that the Count casts no reflection in a mirror. She warns Edelmann of the vampire's danger to Milizia. Edelmann prepares a transfusion that will destroy the vampire. During the procedure, Dracula uses his hypnotic powers to put Edelmann and Nina to sleep; he then reverses the flow of the transfusion, sending his own blood into the Doctor's veins. When they awake, Dracula is carrying Milizia away. They revive Talbot and force Dracula away with a cross. Dracula returns to his coffin as the sun is beginning to rise. Edelmann follows him and drags the open coffin into the sunlight, destroying Dracula.
Edelmann begins to react to Dracula's blood, and becomes evil. He no longer casts a reflection in a mirror. Falling unconscious, he sees strange visions of himself performing unspeakable acts. When he awakens, his face has changed to reflect his evil nature just like in his vision, then he returns to his normal self.
Edelmann performs the operation on Talbot. Afterwards, he transforms again into his evil self and brutally murders his gardener. When the townspeople discover the body, they chase Edelmann, believing him to be Talbot. They follow him to the castle, where Holtz and Steinmuhl interrogate Talbot and Edelmann. Steinmuhl is convinced that Edelmann is the murderer, and assembles a mob to execute him.
Talbot is cured by the operation, but Edelmann again turns into his evil self. He revives the Frankenstein monster, but the monster is very weak. Nina is horrified by Edelmann's transformation, and Edelmann breaks her neck and tosses her body into the cave. Holtz and Steinmuhl lead the townspeople to the castle. The police attack the Frankenstein monster, but the monster subdues them. Edelmann kills Holtz by accidental electrocution. Talbot shoots Edelmann dead. Talbot traps the Frankenstein monster under fallen shelving. A fire breaks out, and the townspeople flee the burning castle. The burning roof collapses on the Frankenstein monster.

Tags: gothic, murder, flashback

Review:
House of Dracula is another of the series of all-star monster extravaganzas produced by Universal in the 40s.This one deals with The Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr.) and Dracula (John Carradine) coming to scientist Onslow Stevens for a cure for what ails them.
At least "Frankenstein" was a fresh idea at the time, while "Dracula" repeats the old formula again and reveals that our favorite cherished monsters had reached their limitations.Dracula (John Carradine) arrives at the home of the kindly Dr. Edelmann (Onslow Stevens) to seek a cure from his vampirism.
Throw in a pretty "hunchback" nurse and you've got what the ads curiously touted as "FIVE Monsters!" What "House of Dracula" has going for it is more of that vintage Universal atmosphere and soothing music soundtrack, and a superb dual performance from Onslow Stevens as the scientist.
John Carradine turns in another fine rendition of his suave Count Dracula, but Lon Chaney's werewolf is pretty much by the books at this point, although the end of the movie contains an interesting little twist for a change.
Overall, this film won't do much for anyone that isn't a fan of Universal horror; but as silly monster movies go, House of Dracula is worth seeing..
Stevens is very enjoyable as Edelman; the plot moves fast; a certain character gets his first happy ending; and it's fun to imagine that the real reason Frankenstein's monster is angry is that he sees the movie is almost over and he hasn't even done anything yet..
The story is simple: Dracula and Wolf Man Lawrence Talbot are both seeking cures for their supernatural states from Dr. Edelman but the way it plays out is far from being simple because there are quite a few problems with curing both creatures.This wonderful film has three of the most iconic Universal Monsters: Dracula, Wolf Man and Frankenstein's Monster.
Carradine played Dracula quite well (imo), Chaney Jr. is great as Talbot/Wolf Man as usual and Strange makes a great Monster although his part is way to small.
Stevens portrayed the "Mad" Scientist turned Vampire so perfectly well.Someone said the only thing wrong with this film was that The Monster was not in it long enough and I do agree with that and is the only reason I'm not rating this movie a perfect 10 (but almost).Watch the House of Frankenstein first then follow up with House of Dracula to see them in order.
In fact, Dracula (John Carradine) does little but lust after the female assistant of the 'celebrated' doctor (Onslow Stevens) who's supposed to cure his vampirism; though Lon Chaney Jr., returning as The Wolf Man, changes a couple of times in the film, nothing ever comes of these - but, for once, we do get a happy ending for him here; the Frankenstein Monster (Glenn Strange) doesn't appear until half the film is over and, till the very last sequence, is strapped to an operating table (still, his final rampage and come-uppance, though partly lifted from THE GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN [1942], is effective enough).The film, however, belongs to Onslow Stevens who manages both facets of the doctor's personality - the intellectual, rather cold scientist who finds logic even in the supernatural and, when infected with Dracula's blood, the prowling Hyde-like menace who re-activates the Frankenstein monster (whom he just happens to come across in a cave, by the way) for his sinister purposes...but these, needless to say, are thwarted by the nth stomping of the castle grounds by the angry villagers, led by a dignified Lionel Atwill and zombie-like Skelton Knaggs!
This movies marks the final appearance for the famous classic horror characters; Dracula, The Frankenstein creature and The Wolf Man. Well yes, of course those characters would later appear in many other horror movies over the years, in many different forms and ways but this was the last official Universal Pictures horror movie with those classic monsters.
Basically the only well known actors from the good old days in this movie are Lon Chaney Jr. and Lionel Atwill.John Carradine once again reprises his role as Dracula and he is surprisingly better than he was in "House of Frankenstein".
Lon Chaney Jr. perhaps plays his best Wolf Man role in this movie and his character gets the most satisfying ending of all the monster characters (Whether he dies or not, or gets cured finally am I not going to spoil for you.).
Eventually the good doctor also wants to help his hunchbacked nurse-assistant (Jane Adams), the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney), and Frankenstein's monster (Glenn Strange).
While it's never on the level of the originals, "House of Dracula" recovers that charm that Universal Studios horror films used to have, and Kenton makes sure that at least for a last time the monsters receive a chance to shine.The cast is very good this time, with Carradine, Chaney and Strange reprising their roles (although Strange's role is considerably smaller) with more enthusiasm than in the previous film.
A small cameo by Lionel Atwill and the presence of Skelton Knaggs as the creepy Steinmuhl complete one of the better cast Universal horror films has had in years."House of Dracula" is a nice addition to the series, specially after the mediocre "House of Frankenstein".
In one of the many times when all three major monsters meet, "House of Dracula" has the count (John Carradine) arriving at Dr. Edelman's (Onslow Stevens) house to request the doctor's help in getting rid of the vampire curse.
This time round a kindly doctor played by Onslow Stevens agrees to help not only Dracula with blood transfusions and the like but also Larry Talbot, played again by Lon Chaney.
This creepy sequel to 'House of Frankenstein', has a doctor (Onslow Stevens) trying to revive the monsters (Glenn Strange and Lon Chaney, Jr.) after becoming infected with the blood of Dracula.
The last of the sequels,not counting Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein which was more or less a spoof.this time count Dracula (John Carridine)takes center stage seeking a cure for his vampirism from a kindly doc(Onslow Stevens).well good ole Larry Talbot(Lon Chaney Jr)shows up also seeking a cure.the good doc succeeds in curing Larry's werewolfism,but Dracula tricks the doc and ends up contaminating his blood and makes the good doc a crazed lunatic.oh and all this time big Franky(Glenn strange)lies on a table awaiting his electricity fix so he can wreak some havoc.this was kind of a short movie,around 70 minutes and some change,but the action is there,and the great actors are there as well.Lionel atwill turns up as a police inspector,heres some trivia,Lionel atwill appeared in son of Frankenstein,ghost of Frankenstein,Frankenstein meets the wolf-man,and house of Frankenstein.
But in spite of the title that would indicate a Dracula thriller, the house in question happens to be the residence of a scientist named Edelmann.In the previous horror fest, Count Dracula (John Carradine) meets his doom after facing the rising sun; Lawrence Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr.) is shot and killed by a silver bullet; and the Monster (Glenn Strange), who carries the wounded mad scientist, Doctor Niemann (Boris Karloff), each come to their ends when pursued by torch-wielding villagers, forced into the forest and walking into and sinking slowly beneath a pool of quicksand.
After destroying Dracula by opening his casket during the sunrise, Edelmann, who had earlier received contaminated blood transformation from Dracula, gradually becomes insane in the manner of Jekyll and Hyde, committing a series of murders by night, and being his simple self by day.Unlike the horror thrillers made by Universal in the 1930s, HOUSE OF Dracula plays more like a kiddie matinée, this being the least of the combined monster cycle that began with FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN (1943).
Besides the actors and special effects, HOUSE OF Dracula includes many dark scenes to give this particularly segment a "film noir" feel.While "House of Dracula" was reportedly supposed to have ended the Universal monster horror cycle, Drac, Wolfie and Franky returned for one more encore in ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN (1948).HOUSE OF Dracula, which runs at 67 minutes, is available for viewing on video cassette.
Sort of a Betty Ford Clinic for the classic Universal monsters, notably in the case of Larry Talbot, who finally gets cured by the mad doctor of the piece, Dr.Edelman (Onslow Stevens).
Count Dracula (John Carradine) and the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr) seek a cure for their afflictions; meanwhile, a hunchbacked woman (Jane Adams), a mad scientist and Frankenstein's monster (Glenn Strange) have their own troubles.Somebody at Universal thought it would be a good idea to combine Dracula, the Wolfman, Frankenstein's monster, a hunchback and basically a knockoff of Jekyll and Hyde.
House of Dracula was made towards the end of Universal's horror cycle of the 1940's and I've seen this a couple of times.A mad Doctor, Edelman is breeding plants for a serum that cures people.
Talbot, now cured and one of Edelman's female assistants are safe though.Like a lot of movies of its kind, we have a hunchback assistant and thunderstorm to keep it moving.The cast includes Universal horror regulars Lon Chaney Jr (The Wolf Man), John Carradine (House of Frankenstein) and Glenn Strange as Frankenstein's monster.
Plot basically involves Dracula (Carradine) & Larry Talbot/Wolf Man (Chaney Jr) turning up at Dr. Edelmann's (Stevens) mansion seeking a cure for their respective creature afflictions.
Finding a convincing way to team up Count Dracula, Frankenstein's monster and the Wolfman can't be an easy task, which is probably why the plot for House of Dracula is so completely preposterous.In this, the creatures' second Universal Studio outing together (after 1944's House of Frankenstein), Dracula (John Carradine) and lycanthrope Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr.) arrive at the castle of Dr. Franz Edelmann (Onslow Stevens), both apparently seeking a cure for their respective afflictions.Dracula, however, isn't being entirely truthful with the good doctor (now there's a surprise): he is intending to seduce Edelmann's loyal assistant Miliza (Martha O'Driscoll) and make her his immortal bride.Fortunately, the evil Count is destroyed by Edelmann, but not before the doctor is infected with the blood of the vampire, which turns the poor guy into a Jekyll & Hyde type character who is torn between good and evil: when he is not trying to cure Talbot and help his pretty hunchback nurse Nina (Jane Adams), he is committing far more nefarious acts, such as killing innocent villagers and attempting to revive Frankenstein's monster, whose body he has discovered in the network of caves beneath his castle.Eventually, Edelmann is pursued by an angry torch wielding mob to his castle, where Frankenstein's monster goes on the rampage, killing Nina (Jane Adams) and causing the castle to go up in flames.Despite the occasional spot of inspired direction from Erle C.
This round has regular Lon Chaney,Jr. as the Wolf Man, at his usual best, Glenn Strange (boy, that dude was big) as Frankenstein's Monster, but for a change of heart there's Onslow Stevens as the mad scientist and my all-time favorite John Carradine as Count Dracula.
Kenton returns to direct this final entry in the "Frankenstein" & "Wolf Man" sagas(not counting the farcical "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein") Here, through an unfortunate case of lazy & indifferent writing, both Dracula(again played by John Carradine) & The Wolf Man(played by Lon Chaney Jr.) are alive again without explanation, seeking the aid of Dr. Edelmann(played by Onslow Stevens) to finally cure them of their maladies, though Dracula is insincere, and will once again be destroyed by sunlight.
Sadly, Dracula poisons the good doctor with his blood, causing him to become a killer, forcing a most tragic end for him and his hunchbacked assistant Nina(played by Jane Adams).Poorly written and paced film is a most disappointing end to the series, though it was nice to see Larry Talbot finally cured, the lack of explanations here is annoying, and the plot incredibly contrived and coincidence driven, leading to a rushed and abrupt ending.
"Universal" studios could have made a better film in which to finish their stable of monster characters."House of Dracula" is a disappointment in many ways: Onslow Stevens acting a bit on the hammy side when he becomes a mad scientist (he is better when playing his character in a more benevolent manner), Glenn Strange has nothing to do other than destroy the laboratory, it's rather obvious that footage is used from previous horror films by the studios, Lionel Atwill shouldn't have bothered appearing in this film as he is clearly rather ill during filming (he died only months later), Lon Chaney Jnr should have had more screen time as the Wolf Man and the reduction in budget is there for all to see.John Carradine makes another effective appearance as Count Dracula though and he wisely has a fair amount of screen time.It's a bit disappointing that this film marks the last time we see the old Eastern European village set on the backlot..
"House of Dracula", while not quite a classic, still delivers a good show that is good fun for any fan of the Universal chillers of the 1930s and 1940s.The film begins as Count Dracula (John Carradine), calling himself Baron Latos, arrives at the home of eminent physician Franz Edelmann (Onslow Stevens), seeking to be cured of his vampirism.
Chaney is as sympathetic as he's ever been, Carradine is wonderfully smooth and sinister as a dapper Count Dracula, Lionel Atwill is great as the local police inspector, the distinctively featured Skelton Knaggs is delicious as an angry citizen, and the beautiful Jane Adams is just luminous as Edelmanns' other nurse - a lady who happens to be a hunchback."House of Dracula" isn't as atmospheric or spooky as the best of the Universal product from this time, and it's resolved rather quickly and gives the Frankenstein monster almost nothing to do.
The shamelessly hammy John Carradine reprises his role as Dracula, the ever-self-pitying Lon Chaney Jr. stars as Lawrence Talbot, and Glenn Strange moves about in yet another robotic performance as the Frankenstein Monster.
(Also, there's flashback footage of that character as previously played by Boris Karloff and Chaney himself so that may confuse some viewers who can tell the difference!) There is also some fine support by Onslow Stevens as the good doctor, Martha O'Driscoll as one of the nurses who Drac takes a fancy to before she also gets involved with The Wolf Man's alter ego Lawrence Talbot, and Jane Adams as the hunchbacked nurse though it may take a while to notice that since she's so gorgeous!
This Finale to the Highly Popular and Entertaining Universal Monster Series is an Underrated and Creepy Spook Show that has Moments of Horror and Terror and takes Itself, Surprisingly, very Serious Indeed.The Usual Suspects are Gathered in Dr. Edelmann's (Onslow Stevens) "Cure-All" Castle as Dracula (John Carradine) enters the Doctor's House and makes it His Own. Coffin in Tow (with the essential layer of home turf) the Count Politely asks for a Cure.Things Quickly become less Polite and more Terrifying as the Movie Progresses.
This is another Universal fun filled fright fest.Many people want to compare it to House Of Frankenstein.Even though it has similar cast and the same director it can stand on its own.(It does appear that Erle C Kenton directed most of the Universal horror films of the 40's).The plot recap:Baron Latos appears at the home of Dr Eidlemann seeking a "cure" for his vampires.Larry Talbot (who somehow survived House OF Frankenstein) also shows up at the good doctors door seeking a cure for his affliction.After a failed suicide attempt Talbot and the doctor find the Frankenstein monster.
This is another Universal fun filled fright fest.Many people want to compare it to House Of Frankenstein.Even though it has similar cast and the same director it can stand on its own.(It does appear that Erle C Kenton directed most of the Universal horror films of the 40's).The plot recap:Baron Latos appears at the home of Dr Eidlemann seeking a "cure" for his vampires.Larry Talbot (who somehow survived House OF Frankenstein) also shows up at the good doctors door seeking a cure for his affliction.After a failed suicide attempt Talbot and the doctor find the Frankenstein monster.
This is a very underrated performance.Chaney brings even more life to the Wolf Man in his 4th appearance in that role.The monster isn't given much to do this time.Just lay on the table until the end(some stock footage from the Ghost Of Frankenstein is used).At least in House Of Frankenstein he was up and around a bit.Yes this does stick to the basic Universal pattern complete with the angry village mob running amok with torches.But it isn't a bad way to spend an hour and ten minutes.It gets a low 8..
This is a very underrated performance.Chaney brings even more life to the Wolf Man in his 4th appearance in that role.The monster isn't given much to do this time.Just lay on the table until the end(some stock footage from the Ghost Of Frankenstein is used).At least in House Of Frankenstein he was up and around a bit.Yes this does stick to the basic Universal pattern complete with the angry village mob running amok with torches.But it isn't a bad way to spend an hour and ten minutes.It gets a low 8..
House of Dracula (1945) ** (out of 4) Dracula (John Carradine) and the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney, Jr.) want to be cured but Frankenstein's monster (Glenn Strange) wants life.
Chaney, Carrradine and Strange returned for their respected reprisals of the Wolf Man, Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster and were shoved in the background in favor of Onslow Steven's (excellent) portrayal of Dr Edelmann's 'Jekyll/Hyde type' character.
Not counting the Abbot and Costello abuses of them, of course.Here we have once again, John Carradine playing Dracula (no explanation of how he got better from being skeletonized in "House of Frankenstein") and Lon Chaney Jr. as the Wolf Man (again, he got killed by a silver bullet then, but is much better now.) They all meet in the house of Dr. Adelman, who apparently thinks there is no monster he can't cure from his affliction.
Lon Chaney Jr, John Carradine and Glenn Strange all reprise their roles as the Wolf Man, Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster respectively.