BroadcastChic
Excellent, a Must See
Pacionsbo
Absolutely Fantastic
Huievest
Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.
Stevieboy666
You get your money's worth here - Dracula, the Wolf Man & Frankenstein's Monster in just over an hour. It doesn't hang about either, quite fast paced. Sure, Carradine as Dracula is no Lugosi but he still gives a good performance, though Chaney Jnr is the real star of this monster fest. Some decent effects too, for the time.
Nigel P
Universal films' second run of horror films (kick-started by 1939's 'Son of Frankenstein' – itself commissioned due to the success of repeat showings of the original 'Dracula' and 'Frankenstein' films) fizzled out with this final serious monster-mash. It's not difficult to see why. Whereas the early films were master-crafts of the macabre, with careful courting of actors and directors alike, the series had by this time become mere monster-rallies. Films for the kids to enjoy. Cosy. Familiar. Popcorn. Not that there is anything wrong with this approach, but once you've thrown three of the best known monsters together for no reason other than to bolster sales, artistically, there is nowhere left to go except a meeting with Abbott and Costello.If anything, the story is perhaps a little tighter than the preceding team-up. John Carradine's Dracula appears to be searching for a cure for his nocturnal habits, as does Lon Chaney Jr's forlorn Larry Talbot. Whilst the Wolf Man is sincere, The Count seems to have ulterior motives, given away by secretly keeping his coffin in the cellar of Doctor Edleman, the man who he has come to for salvation.This is really Edlemann's story. He becomes a strange Mr Hyde character as a result of Dracula's machinations, and Talbot struggles with his conscience after he sees Edleman up to no good – after all, here is the man who appears to have cured him.It's a good run-around but nothing more. It features Lionel Atwill in one of his last appearances (he died the following year) – in the scene when the police are searching the premises, you can hear Atwill hacking in the background. Also featured briefly is the wonderfully named Skelton Knaggs, a Universal regular, turning in a truly laughable performance.And what of the third named monster, Frankenstein's lumbering creation? Once more played by the impressive Glenn Strange, he is utterly wasted, lying comatose throughout, only coming to life at the end to wreck the laboratory and bring the film to a close. Strange's brief screen-time is cut down further – the Monster's finale is actually the climax to 1942's 'Ghost of Frankenstein' replayed, featuring Lon Chaney Jr in the role. A slipshod ending to a classic range of terrors.
Rainey Dawn
House of Dracula is quick to pull you in right from the start of the film. The movie keeps a fairly quick pace - there is no "boring parts" within this flick. The story is simple: Dracula and Wolf Man Lawrence Talbot are both seeking cures for their supernatural states from Dr. Edelman but the way it plays out is far from being simple because there are quite a few problems with curing both creatures.This wonderful film has three of the most iconic Universal Monsters: Dracula, Wolf Man and Frankenstein's Monster. Carradine played Dracula quite well (imo), Chaney Jr. is great as Talbot/Wolf Man as usual and Strange makes a great Monster although his part is way to small. Also there is Dr. Edelman played by Stevens... Stevens portrayed the "Mad" Scientist turned Vampire so perfectly well.Someone said the only thing wrong with this film was that The Monster was not in it long enough and I do agree with that and is the only reason I'm not rating this movie a perfect 10 (but almost).Watch the House of Frankenstein first then follow up with House of Dracula to see them in order. 9.5/10
mikevonbach
This is another Universal fun filled fright fest.Many people want to compare it to House Of Frankenstein.Even though it has similar cast and the same director it can stand on its own.(It does appear that Erle C Kenton directed most of the Universal horror films of the 40's).The plot recap:Baron Latos appears at the home of Dr Eidlemann seeking a "cure" for his vampires.Larry Talbot (who somehow survived House OF Frankenstein) also shows up at the good doctors door seeking a cure for his affliction.After a failed suicide attempt Talbot and the doctor find the Frankenstein monster. To complicate matters just before he bites the dust, Dracula infects the good doctor with his blood.The doctor becomes a bloodthirsty maniac at certain times.Where this leads to is something you'll have to see for your self.Carradine actually gives a very good performance as Dracula. He isn't chewing up the scenery as he will in later roles. It is hard to repress giggles when he appears in a top hat though.The cape/cloak is traditional but the hat has to go. Where does the hat go when he changes into a bat...?Onslow Stevens gives an excellent portrayal of the doctor. He's torn between his basic kindness and the increasing blood lust he is now prone to. This is a very underrated performance.Chaney brings even more life to the Wolf Man in his 4th appearance in that role.The monster isn't given much to do this time.Just lay on the table until the end(some stock footage from the Ghost Of Frankenstein is used).At least in House Of Frankenstein he was up and around a bit.Yes this does stick to the basic Universal pattern complete with the angry village mob running amok with torches.But it isn't a bad way to spend an hour and ten minutes.It gets a low 8.
