Variety reviews The Brides of Dracula

Estate summary

Variety assesses The Brides of Dracula as a serviceable commercial horror picture that should attract its established audience, while doubting that committed horror enthusiasts will find it especially frightening. The review recognises Hammer’s technical competence and colour production but suggests that black and white might have produced a stronger atmosphere. It discusses David Peel’s Baron Meinster and Peter Cushing’s returning vampire hunter within a familiar mixture of castles, undead victims, religious protections and supernatural threats. Terence Fisher’s seriousness is acknowledged, though the screenplay is judged to contribute little freshness to the Dracula tradition. The review also considers Universal’s promotional support as part of the film’s likely box-office prospects. This is contemporary trade criticism of the 1960 film, rather than a later account of its reputation. The scanned page is blurred, so no definitive full reading transcription is supplied.

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