Watch Dracula AD 1972

In Dracula AD 1972, Christopher Lee returns to his iconic role as the infamous Count Dracula, terrorizing London in the swinging 70s. The film opens with a prologue set in the 19th century, in which Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) and his colleagues attempt to defeat Dracula in a fiery battle. The sequence ends with Dracula being impaled on a broken carriage wheel as Van Helsing vows to destroy him for good.

The film then jumps ahead to 1972, where we are introduced to a group of teenage revelers who live for sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Among them is Jessica Van Helsing (Stephanie Beacham), great-granddaughter of the legendary vampire hunter. Jessica is drawn to the dark side of the occult and the supernatural, which leads her to stumble upon a satanic ritual led by the mysterious Johnny Alucard (Christopher Neame). Alucard, whose name is "Dracula" spelled backward, convinces Jessica to help him resurrect the Count, promising her immortality in return.

As Dracula rises from the dead in his decrepit castle, he sets his sights on Jessica, seeing her as a way to get to Van Helsing and exact his revenge. Meanwhile, Van Helsing and his grandson, also named Lorrimer Van Helsing (also played by Cushing), begin to investigate a series of murders that seem to be the work of the undead. As the body count rises, they realize that Dracula has returned, and they must find a way to stop him before he can claim more victims.

What follows is a classic battle of good vs. evil, as Van Helsing and his allies race to stop Dracula and his minions from unleashing a new reign of terror. The film is filled with all the hallmarks of the Hammer Horror style, from lavish sets and costumes to intense action and gore. The performances of the three leads are also standout, with Lee's imposing presence as Dracula, Cushing's commanding authority as Van Helsing, and Beacham's hypnotic allure as Jessica.

One of the film's most notable aspects is its use of contemporary 1970s London as a backdrop. From the music and fashion to the slang and attitudes, the film captures the spirit of the era and brings a fresh, modern twist to the classic tale. This also allows for some tongue-in-cheek moments, as Dracula finds himself out of his element in a world of hippies and Hells Angels.

Overall, Dracula AD 1972 is a thrilling, suspenseful horror film that combines classic Gothic horror with modern-day sensibilities. It is a fitting addition to the Hammer Horror canon and a must-see for fans of the genre.

Dracula AD 1972 is a 1972 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.