Count Dracula Goes to the Movies: Stokers Novel Adapted, 1922-1995
by Lyndon W. Joslin
Category: Literary Criticism

The name "Dracula" usually conjures up images of Bela Lugosi and his mesmerizing stare, or some other image inspired by a film. Seldom is Bram Stoker's original novel the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, many cultural associations with Dracula, inspired by the movies, are unrelated to the original book. It is with widely varying degrees of accuracy that filmmakers have been adapting Stoker's Count to the screen for over seventy years. Despite their common source, even the most faithful adaptations differ greatly. This is the complete guide to the films based on Stoker's classic tale of horror. The text includes a summary of the original novel as a frame of reference for comparing each film's level of interpretation. Eleven films that are based on Stoker's original plot are summarized and analyzed, particularly in regard to faithfulness to the source. The Hammer and Universal spin-off series, based on the character of Dracula but not on the book, are also analyzed, as are three noncredited adaptations of Stoker's work. Production information is given for the films, as well as soundtrack information. Photographs are included for each film, and an index and bibliography are provided as well.