Scars of Dracula (1970) – Film Review

Director: Roy Ward Baker
Cast: Christopher Lee, Dennis Waterman, Jenny Hanley
Certificate: 12

By Sarah Morgan

Picture the scene. It’s 1970, the world is changing, and Hammer Films are struggling to remain relevant.

There are real horrors going on in Vietnam, and so Hammer’s gothic chillers, the films for which the studio remains best known, seem tame and irrelevant. You could argue that they offer some escapism, but they don’t seem to chime well with modern audiences.

And so, launching a double-bill of The Horror of Frankenstein and Scars of Dracula perhaps wasn’t the best idea those in charge ever had; perhaps those in charge felt they had nostalgia value.

Whatever the case, there was still life in the gothic Frankenstein franchise (Peter Cushing returned in two more films), but Dracula eventually moved into the 20th century, making Scars the final period setting for the blood-sucking count.

“Wreaking havoc”

As was often the case, Christopher Lee, in his fourth outing, had to be persuaded to return to the role that made his name, practically with his arm shoved up his back. But he delivers one of his best performances here, perhaps because he has more to say than in previous sequels, so there’s more for him to get his teeth into – pun intended. He also insisted on adding some elements from Bram Stoker’s original novel.

This time, Dracula is brought back to life by a bat regurgitating blood onto his ashes, and immediately gets up to mischief by wreaking havoc among the already terrified local townsfolk.

Meanwhile, a horny young man escaping from an angry father, who’s caught him leaving his daughter’s bedroom, ends up at Dracula’s castle and promptly vanishes. His brother and fiancee then go looking for him and, as they say, chaos ensues.

It’s not the greatest entry in Hammer’s Dracula series, but not having seen it for many years, it proved to be far better than I remembered. There are certainly some good moments, including a couple of fantastic glimpses of Lee’s bloodshot eyes as he sucks the blood of some nubile young women.

“Entertaining”

Patrick Troughton, then fresh from his tenure in Doctor Who, has an eye-catching role as Dracula’s sidekick Klove, while Dennis Waterman and Jenny Hanley play the young hero and heroine; they’re fine but their roles are a little underwritten by John Elder (the regular pseudonym of producer Anthony Hinds), so they come across as slightly wet and pathetic.

Look out too for Bob Todd, now best remembered for being Benny Hill’s sidekick, while Roy Ward Baker directs with style. Really, the problem with the film is the story – it’s just not particularly interesting and is simply a rehash of old ideas. The special effects aren’t up to much either – the bats in particular are pretty shoddy.

Still, it’s entertaining enough, as long as you’re not expecting anything groundbreaking.

Special features include an archive audio commentary featuring an imperious Lee and a rather more easygoing Baker, as well as various interviews with cast members and experts.

Sarah Morgan( Writer )

Sarah Morgan studied film journalism at post-graduate level with the BFI and has been writing about TV and film for PA Media’s newspaper, magazine and new media customers since 1996. She’s also written for a wide range of other publications, both online and in print, including the book Offbeat and Intermission magazine, and is a regular contributor to the Talking Pictures TV podcast. When she isn’t watching movies, she’s collecting and reading vintage crime and horror paperback books or, for her sins, watching her beloved Sheffield Wednesday.

You do not have any posts.

Scars of Dracula – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scars of Dracula?
A 1970 Hammer horror in which Count Dracula is resurrected and resumes terrorising a nearby village. A missing libertine draws his brother and fiancée to the Count’s castle, where matters turn bloodier by the minute.

Who is in it?
Christopher Lee as Count Dracula, with Dennis Waterman, Jenny Hanley and Patrick Troughton as Klove.

Who directed it?
Roy Ward Baker, for Hammer Films.

How does it compare to other Hammer Draculas?
It restores several Bram Stoker traits – an icily courteous Dracula, control over nature, and wall-climbing – and gives Lee more dialogue and presence than many sequels.

Is the continuity consistent?
Not really – Dracula’s ashes are back in Transylvania without explanation, and Klove appears in a different guise to earlier entries.

What is the tone?
Traditional gothic with heightened violence for the era – expect bats, blood and a streak of sadism.

Any standout performances?
Lee is imposing and verbally commanding; Patrick Troughton is memorable as the conflicted Klove.

What special features are on recent releases?
Archive audio commentary with Christopher Lee and Roy Ward Baker, interviews and making-of featurettes. StudioCanal issued a restored 4K limited collector’s edition in the UK on 24 November 2025.

Running time?
Approximately 91–92 minutes, depending on format.

Where was it made?
Shot at Elstree Studios with Hertfordshire locations.

Is it essential Hammer?
Not top-tier, but entertaining for Lee’s performance, late-period gothic atmosphere and the series’ restored Stoker touches.