DB7

Warren and Suchet lift lid on Dracula for BBC1
The Stage.


Hustle star Marc Warren is to star in the title role of Stewart Harcourt’s new television adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula on BBC1.
David Suchet, will play vampire scholar and Dracula’s nemisis Van Helsing, in the revamped drama. The Corporation has also lined-up a host of the UK’s upcoming talent including The Line of Beauty’s Dan Stevens, Thunderbirds and Doctor Who actress Sophia Myles and Tom Burke, best know for The State of Play.




Timothy Spall’s son Rafe, who is fast making a name for himself with roles in hit urban film Kidulthood and BBC4’s The Chatterley Affair, also stars as solicitor Jonathan Harker and Stephanie Leonidas as his girlfriend Mina.
Julie Gardner, who is head of BBC Wales and executive producer on the show, said: “Stewart Harcourt’s adaptation is a visceral, sexy and bold retelling of Bram Stoker’s classic chiller which will blow the cobwebs off traditional period drama and we’ve brought together a cast of thrilling young talent to bring it to life.”


Filming on the production, which is a Granada Production for BBC1 and will be directed by Bill Eagles, begins later this month.
Fellow executive producer Granada’s Damien Timmer added: “Stewart Harcourt’s extraordinary script introduces some bold new elements and unexpected twists to the Dracula legend. It’s emotionally hugely powerful and genuinely terrifying.”

Nick Dando

I wonder how it will compare with the Louis Jourdan version from 1977? I've not seen it since and I was only a nipper at the time, but it was memorable for the Count actually crawling down the exterior wall of the castle and that has always stuck in my mind.

I do hope it's not going to be like the recent version of the Hound of the Baskervilles with Richard E Grant (who I like). That was terrible!

And then there's the Werner Herzog version of the story with Klaus Kinski, Isabelle Adjani and Bruno Ganz. Which is magnificent. And so is the original Nosferatu with Max Schreck. And not forgetting Shadow of the Vampire with an unrecognisable Willem Dafoe. And I must say I enjoyed the film.

Nick

Marky B

Max Schreck's Nosferatu is the best vampire film for me,with Christopher Lee's interperation a close second. (Bela Lugosi was just one joint of ham for me). I remember Louis Jordan's version,and it came over quite well. I also recall the lucky so and so having Judi Bowker drinking his blood from his chest. Louis Jordan had that Gallic charm and looks to make a good Dracula.
Try walking up the 199 steps at Whitby,on a dark stormy night to conjure up thoughts of vampires... .
Ta Ta
Marky B

I am special. The heavens always open for me.

Mr Pastry Time

Bela Lugosi Ham !!!! Wot? Bela for me will always be the greatest.
I walked up Whitters steps with heavy tripod, 9.5mm cine camera, light meeter & me wife in March just to film from the top. Well worth it for the view, but about time we had a slide installed for coming back down. He.

Ascoyne D'Ascoyne

The Louis Jourdan version was the closest interpretation to Stoker's original that I've seen. The Jack Palance (who I understand has died recently) film started as if it was going to follow the original plot but veered away from it halfway through.
I think Marc Warren's a very good actor but physically I don't think he suits the part (or at least, how I picture Dracula in my mind's eye). I hope the scriptwriters don't interfere with Stoker's original plot too much.

image45

Is this version available to buy on DVD or VHS at all?

"Seya next time!"

Dave Rattigan

If you are referring to the BBC version, it was brought out on R2 as a BBC title a few years ago, but seems to have been deleted. No doubt you could find a legit used copy on EBay.

smudge

...Or through that dark little tunnel that runs partway through the hill from the Cook memorial....

And the little streets with the street signs that creak and squeak in the wind...

Lovely place this time of year.

SMUDGE

Welcome to my house. Enter freely, and of your own will...

image45

Thanks, there is so much available from the BBC, so much wiped and so much not available Odd lot arn't they :blink:

"Seya next time!"

Ascoyne D'Ascoyne

I also found the "Dracula Experience" side-show quite creepy...worth a couple of bob to take a look.

Charlie McCallum

The BBC version with Louis Jordan, first broadcast in three parts in 1977, is the most faithful to Bram Stoker's book. Great performances from Jordan, and Frank Finlay, Judi Bowker and Susan Penhaligan. I managed to record it when it was shown again about 15 years ago, so it must still be in the BBC archives somewhere, waiting to be released on DVD! We live in hope!

Charlie

Mr Pastry Time

I can just about remember watching this version of Count Dracula on the box which was well done I thought.. It would be nice if it was put out again, but I have seen it kicking around at film events from time to time.

batman

louis jordan's bbc 'dracula' was released on dvd a few years ago along with peter cushing's bbc 'hound of the baskervilles' and the 1977 bbc 'picture of dorian gray' with peter firth. they were on the bbc educational label. the 'hound' and 'picture' have both since been given a general release so maybe there is hope for the 'dracula' too. i wa lucky enought to get a copy of this dvd and the quality is superb.

the bat.

There are 31 excellent quizzes to bamboozle you on the Quiz Page. Just click on the 'Quick Links' icon and scroll down!

Amy R

Anyone seen the new version of dracula on the BBC, disgruntled viewer needs to discuss

angelinespana

BBC'S Dracula
Well, have just seen this version and have to say, was disappointed. Have read the comments and did watch Louis Jordan's version many years ago (unfortunately only vaguely remember it) but am sure it was better than this. This was too short and misinterpreted much of the original book. Personally I loved the Gary Oldman version.........no comments on this one I see. Anyway, a big disappointment