From the second the lurid red letters of the opening credits hit the screen, Hammer’s colour take on Count Dracula blows away the black-and-white cobwebs of all previous versions.
Of course, the impact of this 1958 hit has lessened over the decades, slipping from an X to a 12A and with original plot points now seeming like clichés-in-waiting after so many rehashed sequels. What does remain incredibly potent is Christopher Lee’s Drac - aristocratic host, sexual predator and fanged animal rolled into one. And let us not forget underrated director Fisher, whose eye for strong images has allowed this film to rise again from its cinematic grave.