Guest Review: "The Satanic Rites of Dracula"

Mike S reviews a classic horror film- "The Satanic Rites of Dracula".

"When I found out that Hammer Films was alive and well again- and in the process of producing a few new horror films, I started getting a little nostalgic. Growing up, I was a HUGE fan of the Hammer horror films, and have been looking for them on DVD for quite a while. A horror library is not complete without at least one of their films.


It was with great pleasure when I found "The Satanic Rites of Dracula" on DVD. I was literally, "geeking out" over it. I felt like a kid opening the biggest present under the Christmas tree. It's sad, but true.

I couldn't wait to watch it, but I wanted it to be special. At night, with the lights off... alone. Just me, Dracula, and Van Helsing.

And, man, was it worth it.

By today's standards, this movie might not be considered great- but for me it was fantastic. This film has the British sensibilities for horror, without relying on heavy gore and sadism. Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing were excellent in this movie- which was Lee's last one as Dracula.

I won't lie, but it's not necessarily scary or creepy or errie compared to some of the more recent movies, but when you watch it, you can see why Hammer films were considered the pinnacle of the genre back in the 70's. Their movies were, in a word... fun.

And isn't fun what it's all about?  Yes, it is- and that's why I'd rate this movie a Good."

Listener's Review: The Woman In Black

The following comes from FRFTB fan Mike S, who Constant Listeners know is the creator of our Good, Bad and Ugly rating system. Here he takes a few moments to share his thoughts on the British horror film The Woman In Black, based on one of the longest running stage plays in London!

Very few people can make a decent ghost movie. The British are one of the few. When I watched this movie, I had trouble sleeping afterwards... for several nights. The setting of the mansion that becomes rather isolated when the fog roles in created such a sense of being utterly alone and unprotected... especially when you start to hear the phantom sounds of a horse drawn carriage in the fog, and the screams of a child. Adding into that, the appearance of a hateful looking woman in black on an island nobody is supposed to be able to reach due to the fog is enough to make you uncomfortable... and jumpy at the little sounds in your house when you're alone. The pace isn't fast- but it's relentless. Once the story has you in its icy cold death grip, there is no letting go, and you're compelled to keep watching to the end. Definitely one of the best ghost films out there... and one to watch with the lights on... or off if you're really brave... A Good rating from this Basement fan.