Dracula (1977)

BBC Adaptation from 1977. Often considered the most faithful version to the novel with Louis Jordan as the Count.

[@kossttamojaan]

I remember watching this on PBS with my uncle. I was 9 and this movie terrified me to no end. Jordan has always been and always will be Dracula for me.

[@rickw1100]

Without a doubt, this is the most faithful to the novel. Louis Jordan is incredibly sinister as Dracula. Thankfully, this version has become available on DVD. I have it and have watched it many times. Great cast. -literate- In my opinion, superior to all other versions.

[@ontologicallysteve7765]

To all of you who own the DVD: don't get rid of your copy. It went out of print. It's going for over 100 dollars on eBay and Amazon. I was short on money some time ago, and in a moment of weakness, I sold it for 60.00. A few weeks back, I started to develop a hankering for this film and ended up dropping 70.00 for it. I'll never get rid of it again. What a masterpiece. I hope Arrow Video or Shout! Factory releases a Blu-ray version.

[@CastlesForEyes]

@@ontologicallysteve7765 ~ Fortunately the UK Dvd is going cheap now. I'll definitely be grabbing it. An Arrow or Shout release would indeed be great to see.

[@alistairkewish651]

There is and can be no finer interpretation of Stokers novel. The atmosphere brought together by the sound track is remarkable. Gothic in outlook mixed with other elements…shivers my spine!

[@alsgeetar]

The best, and the only one that ever gave me nightmares as a kid,version of Dracula ever.Louis Jordan deliberate underplayed charm, and touch of menace, version of Dracula makes all the other actors who played the character before or since look like the hams they were.

[@zyxquark]

I've said this before but if you didn't see this when it came out you can't imagine the mind-blowing impact. It was light years ahead of every previous efffort. the problem now is it has been so shamelessly and universally copied in various ways by every version since then that it's hard to get how rivetingly innovative and original it was. I sill remember the night I saw it. I drove to a friend's house and he met me on the porch and said, "My God, this is the one, isn't it???"

[@davedahl4461]

I loved this version when I was a kid they’d show it around Halloween. It was so good.

[@Raven9940]

I love how he gives him the bottle of brandy before he gets in the coach. It's the little details like that that flesh out a film.

[@MasterJediDude]

Louis Jourdan has such a great delivery in all of his movies.

[@Blondine9ify]

Oh my heart is sad Louis Jourdan has passed away. Wonderful actor so handsome and talented!

[@anton1990]

Louis Jordan is so handsome, great Dracula. And the food he was serving Harker looked tasty!

[@shrame99]

The most authentic film adaption of Dracula ever made... Louis Jordan really captures the essence of Count Dracula although many have criticised him for not being vicious or intense enough in some scenes. When you compare the acting and the accents to the 1994 Ford Coppola version, this is such a relief. Personally I would say that this adaption has the best Van Helsing and Renfield as well.

[@TorontoJediMaster]

I totally agree. It was the best version ever.

[@ltrenthem]

I remember when our PBS station aired this version, it was in three parts and they played them all on or near Halloween. I was mesmerized, Jourdan really drew me in as Dracula. It was erotic for 1977

[@ricardocantoral7672]

Jordan is definitely doing his own interpretation. The Count in the novel was a total weirdo, someone completely out of touch with humanity. Jordan's Count is far more charismatic.

[@johnnebocat1397]

@@ltrenthem I had much the same experience as yourself. I believe our PBS station (Seattle) played it two years in a row (1977-78, or 1978-79). By far the best adaptation of the novel. The musical soundtrack to this film gives my wife the creeps--a point others have picked up on too. I get goosebumps listening to it as well. Not to mention--a stellar cast.

[@michaeldailey3219]

I know it definitely was broadcast in the Fall of 78. I missed the first part because I got home late from football practice because I missed my ride.

[@rachaeladams8449]

The eerie sounds of the wind howling and the wolves howling sends chills down your spine

[@RadicalCreations42]

Louis Jordan is a awesome actor and makes a brilliant Dracula. I have to say this has to be one of the best Dracula movies I ever seen. And I think he makes a better Dracula than Christopher Lee does.

[@michaeldailey3219]

This is absolutely the most faithful adaptation to the novel. I do wish, however that they would have done the confrontation between the strange coachman and the other coach driver (denn die todten reiten schnell..')

[@danielschaeffer1294]

Suave, stunningly good looking, mannered - and every look in his eye indicates menace. Perfect. I wonder if Christoph Waltz studied this film. Jourdan didn’t need makeup or creepy music to make you feel uneasy. That relentless killer-wolf stare was enough. And note the hair on his palms - left over from his wolf version. The smile at the end was a Connery touch.

[@joffetime]

Rest in peace, Louis Jourdan.

[@puckf17]

This is the eeriest Dracula. The ones with the artful makeup are all well and good, but this one effects me on a psychological level. Building slowly, subtly, step by step. Much of it's the acting. Jordan and Frank Findlay are great. Findlay also played Jane Tennison's dad.

[@michaeldailey3219]

Findlay was also outstanding as one of the Three Musketeers, Porthos, I think. Ironically, another Dracula, Christopher Lee, played the bad guy Rochefort. Lee was phenomenal as Rochefort.

[@RonRicho]

I saw this originally in 1977 but never again. I am looking forward to seeing it again soon. I understand that it has been released on Amazon Prime so maybe tonight. I feel like a child awaiting Christmas but perhaps that is a poor analogy in this case.

[@rhd123]

This is one of the best Dracula's ever ..it feels natural ..there ia an just a realness about it...the atmosphere is just perfect...and Luis plays it very human with a sense of evil churning underneath

[@nataliewilliams9741]

He did such an fine, under-stated job here. Always enjoyed watching Mr. Jourdan . . . it's nice we still get to.

[@johnnebocat1397]

you hit the nail on the head--"under-stated". That gives him a horrific edge over the blood & gore versions. Could only have been improved upon if directed by Hitchcock; too bad he never attempted it.

[@pilates68]

It’s actually very funny to imagine that Count Dracula would have to keep up the illusion of welcoming Johnathan Harker to his castle by having to make a chicken dish. The visual of Dracula looking at a cook book and trying to measure out the correct amount of paprika and heavy cream is hilarious to think about. Even funnier that he finds the food of mortals utterly disgusting.

[@CastlesForEyes]

Francis Ford Coppola's film is my favorite Dracula, but this one looks impressive. Can't wait to see it.

[@johnnebocat1397]

you won't be disappointed. I watch it every halloween!

[@danielschaeffer1294]

I like the Coppola, but it’s so visually over the top it’s nearly campy, and Keanu is a disaster. This version is letter perfect.

[@Darwriter]

When this was first shown I studiously read the Corgi paperback by Gerald Savoury. I was totally smitten by Judi Bowker and Susan Penhaligon! Watching these clips, now, I feel a sense of sadness as so many things have changed... I'm getting old!

[@vintagesoup79]

I feel the same way about many things. Thanks for the comment.

[@peterdaoust404]

Judi Bowker was the most beautiful creature on earth at the time. So underexposed.

[@drmarvmarv]

no doubt, the best Dracula ever L.J. rocks as the count even the great Lugosi doesnt outdo him

[@zyxquark]

I've said this before but I'm old enough to have seen this when it came out (in the USA on PBS) and it's hard to describe how revolutionary it was because it's been so slavishly imitated by every version since. Just showing the count going down the wall was something no one had ever done. I also think Louis jourdan had a perfect aura of being nobility that was a little arrogant. he was great. however, when I go back and watch Lugosi (who has been mocked so much) he really is VERY creepy.

[@taraelizabethdensley9475]

Ooh! A version of dracula i've never come accross before

[@sstuddert]

"listen to them, the children of the night - what music they make!" That has to be one of the best quotes from that book.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Watch Lee say that line 100 times better in the 1970 Jess Franco film.

[@zyxquark]

louis jourdan was an absolutely inspired casting choice for count Dracula.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

He's awful.

[@thecurlew7403]

@@lyndoncmp5751 You just dont like the french Dracula portrays Antichrist in masonic rituals blood is drunk forbidden in scripture .

[@anton1990]

Louis Jourdan is awesome.

[@zyxmyk]

my fave. having him pick up that trunk like it weighed three pounds was a really nice touch.

[@hogomeiko]

This is the most faithful to the book. There are some differences but not as many in most of the other versions. Dracula seduces with half truths and promises before he destroys, just like real evil does. Jourdan doesn't overplay this. His "children of the night" line is delicious. And of all the versions of Dracula, this is the one that stresses the war between good and evil, and the importance of the soul. At one point, Jourdan even verbally jousts about Christianity with Van Helsing.

[@cehussey]

I've been thinking about this version of "Dracula" and am glad to see this excerpt posted. It's my favorite rendering of the tale, right down to the casting and the filmscore. I'm itching to see this one again in its entirety.

[@Vortigern99]

This is simply the best, most atmospheric version of Stoker's novel ever produced.

[@rocked9830]

I found the music that does the atmosphere for me.

[@DeaneShafortock]

I don't know why, but my instict tells me that this is one of the best Draculas ever...maybe because his human description (not his physical appearanca) is faithful to the one in the book: a kind, gentle nobleman who is interested in the new world (England) where he has never been but knows much of it, admires his family's past and also the history of his country.

[@Ratravarman]

You only get samples of it in this clip...but this version has an incredible soundtrack, utilizing such diverse instruments as theremin (a nod to the old school) and hammered dulcimer. Never thought a hammered dulcimer could ever sound spine-tingly scary!

[@thirlestanelodge2]

It wasn't Louis, who made he costume choice , it was the designer. Thank you webothlovesoup for posting this. It was the best Dracula ever. No show bizz, just great and faithful story telling. Louis was an inspired choice, naturally foreign and fascinating. Listen to the music of the children of the night.

[@Lurvy1963]

I agree that this was the most faithful version of Bram Stoker's novel. If only the old Hammer horror films made better use of Christopher Lee as Dracula, instead of limiting his screen time and abilities to be one of the better Draculas since Bela Lugosi. His performances as the evil count would have been something like what Louis Jordan delivered in this mini series. As the main character and not a supporting one.

[@zyxquark]

Louis jourdan and Lugosi are my favorite counts but they're totally different. Louis jourdan is the aristocratic Dracula. this version seems more literary. Lugosi has been parodied but if you go back and watch it he's genuinely creepy. the hammer films I loved once but they're too teenage for me now.

[@zyxquark]

I thought jourdan was great because in the novel you're told Dracula was a genius in life and jourdan seems like an aristocratic genius. the novel also hints (ONLY hints) that he is the anti-Christ. today they would hit you over the head with it. stoker was much more subtle with his hints. very classy.

[@rocked9830]

Is there a version of the book you prefer where the anti-Christ connection is hinted at.

[@thecurlew7403]

@@rocked9830 L J is a great actor unlike Lee who just portrayed horror and wasnt a great actor but prob in the occult his face shows a dark soul indeed Jourdan acted all roles acted with Alec Gunness and many others Dracula does portray antichrist with the taking of blood while christ gives his for salvation through faith Dracula is darkness and fear the satanic elites do rituals were children are sacrificed as seen in this film note too when jourdan interups the vampires about to bite Harker it shows light and darkness or a portal were antichrist comes through to rule through a NWO about to appear very soon .

[@VValkyrie]

I remember seeing this on PBS. Louis Jourdan was a memorable Dracula. The scene with the Brides & The Baby - YEEKS!

[@michaelgaskell2031]

That’s what makes Louis jourdan scary manners rather than intensity. Very subtle and terrifying

[@vintagesoup79]

Jourdan was an effective Dracula, I enjoyed him in the role.

[@johnnebocat1397]

One other item that nobody seems to pick up on--the incidental and musical score to go with this version is also very "creepy & eerie", without any cheesy organ solos a la Bach.

[@Raven9940]

At 2:06 after he puts a coat on Harker he gives him a small flask of brandy to help him warm up. It's in the book.

[@sstuddert]

on of the best Dracula quotes ever.

[@StorytellerRob]

I absolutely love this version. it is bay far, the best adaptation of Stoker's novel. The only thing I had misgivings about was the relationship between Lucy & Mina. They were friends in the book and sisters in this one. Also, if I remember correctly, Lucy was engaged to Arthur and NOT Quincy, although Quincy dies heroically at the end of the book. The music is very erotic and seductive and the scene in the graveyard between Lucy and Dracula is almost like a hot sex scene. Very EROTIC

[@Serenadesong]

Thanks for posting, I've heard that this version is the closest to the book. I haven't seen it yet, but I'd like to:) Looks pretty good!

[@zyxquark]

I've said this before but I saw this in '77 and it was by far the most innovative ever. For example, the first to show him going down the castle wall head first. the problem is it was so slavishly immitated after that it loses some of its original punch. It was pretty mind boggling at the time. Even its intercutting real footage from the early twentieth century was somewhat copied later. I also thought Louis Jourdan had the right touch of aristocratic with commanding presence.

[@earlgosselin5023]

I'd like to know the food served to Harker.

[@alex_jw]

I JUST WANNA SEE HIM CLIMB THE WALL. ( we were watching this in school .. seriously we were all laughing)

[@MSEDzirasa2015]

Dracula's english was too perfect for a Romanian who's trying to learn the language. Harker's script should have been edited by eliminating his questioning of Dracula about the coach driver, meals/servants.Hiddenscripts tend to lend a sense of intrigue/ involvement/thrill to the viewer and that scene took it away. The girls were never sisters, & Quincy P. Morris became Quincy P. Holmwood. Dracula was very physically transformative and I missed that BUT I STILL LOVED THIS VERSION; THANKS!V.SCARY

[@JosephRGrych]

Best Jonathan Harker, too.

[@PedroVonWorzelburger]

Well Christopher Lee actually only made 7 Dracula movies but peter cushing appeared in all Hammer Dracula movies. Id agree this BBC adaption of Dracula is the best.

[@rodrigoraulsuarez]

This is closer to the novel than other Draculas we know, but... in the novel the count has a moustache and he is described as an old man in this scene. I don´t understand why they never follow the novel, I think the novel has great inner energy.

[@TheWayoftheSith]

Indeed.

[@stretch4859]

@rickw1100 I also have this version of Dracula on DVD ordered it from Amazon.com, and also have all the Hammer Dracula films and Universal Dracula films including Jack Palance's version, and the one with Klaus Kinski, guess you can say I'm a big of the Dracula movies, love to read about the Historical Dracula as well. Just thought I would tell you.

[@shrame99]

have u ever seen Count Yorga Vampire or The Return of Count Yorga ?

[@clintbronson5]

Yes this is a GREAT version Christopher Lee GREAT performance as COUNT DRACULA in Jess Franco's DRACULA...Too bad the movie sucks still Chris did a grand performance...Also recommend DRACULA the true story(1975)With Lee playing not only the true Vlad(voivod)Dracula but also the grey hair mustache DRACULA!!! Long live Louis Jourdan and Frank Langella

[@peabody66]

I kinda like Louis Jordan's portrayal of the Count. The way he talks is very intelligent which makes him menacing and unpredictable like a rapist who tries to charm a woman before he actually rapes her.

[@Raven9940]

yes it's him

[@rickw1100]

@stretch4859 Ditto ! My favorite Lee Dracula film is "Dracula Has Risen from the Grave" I've always thought that the scene where they just didn't get that stake deep enough into his heart-and he rips it out and throws it at them- well, that's what made that series so great ! I also think that Kinski's Dracula often gets a bad rap- its' a great companion piece to the original - the German version is the one to see. C R E E P Y.

[@tenhirankei]

"You can't leave me out in the middle of nowhere!" In the dark of Walpurgis Night they most certainly will!

[@vintagesoup79]

@theman2017inc Totally agree the Marc Warren version just seemed like a vehicle for the BBC golden boy at that point.

[@TheWayoftheSith]

Is the coach driver actually dracula? I always had a suspicion why we never see the that coaches face, only the eyes. I see a resemblance.

[@randomdave30]

It id a pity this entire production could not have been produced entirely on film, as opposed to the then-traditional mixed-media of film on location and video in the studio.

[@clintbronson5]

DRACULA RULES PERIOD!!!! No matter if it is Klaus Kinski or Jack Palance Gary Oldman and Frank Langella DRACULA RULES!!! I didn't leave anybody out did I???

[@rodrigoraulsuarez]

Well... you do. There is Max Schrek, who played the silent Nosferatu, Narciso Ibañez Menta, who play the role in spanish version, and I think you decide not to mention the obvious Lugosi and C.Lee. Most of all, I agree with you: Dracula Rules and I think is time to a new movie, based more and more in the novel. I think the novel is great.

[@PhflyDan1]

@thirlestanelodge2 I agree...

[@Mathiastro]

Such a pity this whole thing couldn't be shot on film. The switch to video is quite jarring.

[@TorontoJediMaster]

For me, it's part of the charm in watching BBC (and CBC) productions of that era. They were all done that way.

[@TheWayoftheSith]

Bela Lugosi I think was quite stereo typical in his accent which came off as comical to me, sure it was the original vampire film (nosferatu doesn't count) but still. Alot of people rave on the original film but in my opinion just cause its the first film doesn't mean that its the best in terms of acting or faithful to the novel. I think this movie is probably the best overall one I've seen. the original novel was really good, so natural a movie that copies it perfectly copies would be as well.

[@leonora0210]

do you have the whole thing?

[@tenhirankei]

Someone must have removed the 100 lb. barbell in the trunk while your back was turned, right Mr. Harker?

[@angelaiseli3910]

@5:11, wherein we establish that Jonathan Harker is weak sauce...😂

[@TheWayoftheSith]

why did he give him the bottle?

[@markxist]

Cushing didnt appear in all the Hammer Dracula's. Look at Taste The Blood Of Dracula, The Scars Of Dracula, Dracula Has Risen From The Grave etc

[@RPenta]

@18andreab What do you mean, too tame? He did not play some of the scenes are wildly as Lee or Jack Palance (two other very good portrayals); but the Hammer versions were very lame plot wise and Lee had almost no dialogue in most of them; Jourdan is sinister and sophisticated without redeeming qualities. I agree it could have use a bit more action.

[@ekaterinaromanenko174]

Miscast, IMHO. I don't appreciate Dracula 's being a mix of Lucifer and Don Giovanni.

[@vintagesoup79]

Fair enough. He is not my favourite Dracula, but is certainly not the worst.

[@Vortigern99]

I agree this version is the best, but you're mistaken about Cushing being in all the Hammer Dracula films. He was not in 4 of the 8: Prince of Darkness (1966), Risen from the Grave ('68), Taste the Blood or Sacrs (both '70). Cushing returned as Van Helsing in AD 1972.

[@clintbronson5]

You are absolutely right and Gary Oldman was the only good thing in that DRACULA(well the music too) This is the best version that sticks to the book...Jess Franco tried with Christopher Lee but that movie is just....BAD!!! No Count Dracula with Jourdan is your best bet...There are a lot of DRACULA'S out there Jack Palance Frank Langella- Klaus Kinski

[@subalghosh4659]

Mrtyurmukhiya mamritat..

[@PhflyDan1]

The Count does let slip a few things of his sinistre nature.. the clawed hands with fur(?) on them, his ancient knowledge of the Carfax name..

[@TheWayoftheSith]

ah, it also explains why the coach doesn't say anything (though Jonathon simply assumes that the coach is a bit anti social). Dracula doesn't have any human servants right? in which case how does dracula get all that food for Jonathon? I think that he must hire someone to prepare the food...

[@FangNicole]

what was on his hand ?x

[@johnnebocat1397]

hair. Got have some entertainment living by yourself for centuries!

[@rodrigoraulsuarez]

I think Louis Jordan is not the man to do the role but he did a great job. I don´t like the accent that he uses here either.

[@wickedfeylady]

@webothlovesoup It's not! I have no idea why they called that movie "Bram Stoker's Dracula" because so much of it is made up

[@Lytton333]

@ibtnm25 Chicken Paprika..

[@DeaneShafortock]

Was it, HAIR...maybe?

[@VValkyrie]

What accent? Louis Jourdan is French.

[@stevecallum7933]

As dull and obane as the 1931 version. Sorry but as far as being gripping is concerned this definately falls very short. It really doesnt stand the test of time well at all. I tried watching it a couple of months back and was suprised I managed to even watch the first hour. It wouldnt even stand up as a stage version purely because there is no drama, no tension, no pace. The actors do not display any real communion, inner monologues, and just appear to move and speak lines because they were instructed to. That is a lifeless performance. Its known as robotic, branded acting. There was clearly no in depth exploration of character motivations beyond the confines of the script therefore the characters realities were very limited and had no truth or substance. The Frank Langella version was far more paced and dramatic than this. Dont blame the BBC budgets and effects of the time. Good acting and great direction is what makes a great film, the effects etc are just side dressing. I found the actor playing Dracula wooden and soulless. He didnt convince me he was four hundred years old at all, just another actor playing the lines and getting paid. Thats NOT acting. as my acting coaches and directors have always said...dont ACT it...BE it.

[@vintagesoup79]

Thanks for commenting. :)

[@lyndoncmp5751]

This film with Christopher Lee instead of Jordan would have been great. Unfortunately Jordan is totally miscast.

[@TenderTrap86]

This Dracula is terrible. He looks absolutely suburban.

[@07786013535]

Tthe count should of been an older man