This is the definitive vampire masterpiece that every vampire movie since has tried to measure up to. Although the film does not follow the book exactly it is a good companion to it.

Bela Lugosi stars as Count Dracula and it is his performance that drives the movie. Bela Lugosi simply was Dracula. And to further state this true fact when anyone says the name Dracula the image of Lugosi in his cape and slicked back hair is the first image that comes to mind, period. The supporting cast is also well done Edward Van Sloan plays Professor Abraham Van Helsing and being of German decent Sloan is excellent as the academic vampire slayer. The scene stealer however is the manic Renfield played with incredible zeal by Dwight Frye, who if he was alive today would be a lord of the horror world.

Frye and Lugosi are tremendous in their abilities to make you feel the characters by the way they move, speak or in Lugosi's case stare into the camera. The movie has no gore or blood shed even most of the Count's victims are showed being taken in the shadows, but that is the beauty of the film. The gripping dread and fear that seems to flow through Lugosi's performance, you know what the monster is doing without even seeing it, you don't need to.

The story follows Dracula's path from Transylvania to England where he has purchased land. Once in England the Count becomes enthralled by Mina Harker. The nefarious Count and his wicked deeds soon draws attention and Van Helsing is called in for his expertise in mystical matters. What follows is the showdown of good versus evil that we have seen over and over again, but never so well played as here. A beautifully crafted nightmare, that has not been matched since 1931.
10/10 Masterpiece