Count Dracula is a three-part British television adaptation of
Bram Stoker's novel.
Louis Jourdan plays the count not as villain or pathetic victim of circumstance, but a charismatic charmer, who doesn't need to suck the blood of his lady victims to make them faint. Part One takes place in Transylvania, with British attorney Jonathan Harker (
Bosco Hogan) arriving at Dracula's castle to close a real estate deal--and to nearly lose his life and soul to his sinister host. Part Two finds Dracula at large in England, beckoning the unfortunate Lucy (
Susan Penhaligon) into the world of the Undead. The story grows more intense in Part Three, with vampire hunter Professor Van Helsing (
Frank Finlay) rallying the forces of Good against the elusive Dracula.
Count Dracula was first telecast in the US on PBS'
Great Performances series in March of 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide