Count Dracula Goes to the Movies: Stoker's Novel Adapted, 1922-1995 [Hardcover]

Lyndon W. Joslin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1999 | ISBN-10: 0786406984 | ISBN-13: 978-0786406982

The name “Dracula” usually conjures up images of Bela Lugosi and his mesmerizing stare, or some other image inspired by a film. Seldom is Bram Stoker’s original novel the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, many cultural associations with Dracula, inspired by the movies, are unrelated to the original book. It is with widely varying degrees of accuracy that filmmakers have been adapting Stoker’s Count to the screen for over seventy years. Despite their common source, even the most faithful adaptations differ greatly. This is the complete guide to the films based on Stoker’s classic tale of horror. The text includes a summary of the original novel as a frame of reference for comparing each film’s level of interpretation. Eleven films that are based on Stoker’s original plot are summarized and analyzed, particularly in regard to faithfulness to the source. The Hammer and Universal spin-off series, based on the character of Dracula but not on the book, are also analyzed, as are three noncredited adaptations of Stoker’s work. Production information is given for the films, as well as soundtrack information. Photographs are included for each film, and an index and bibliography are provided as well.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Don’t miss this entertaining and informative book” --Film & History

“Recommended” --Public Library Quarterly

“An interesting addition to the literature” --ARBA

About the Author

Radio broadcast professional Lyndon W. Joslin lives in Houston, Texas. Previously a news reporter, he is also a freelance copy editor.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 247 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786406984
• ISBN-13: 978-0786406982
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,473,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!!, November 19, 2000

By 

Jeffrey Ragsdale (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Count Dracula Goes to the Movies: Stoker's Novel Adapted, 1922-1995 (Hardcover)

While a scholarly work of high-quality content, organization, and thoughtfulness, this book is easy-to-read and a pleasure to behold!

For any fan of all things gothic/Dracula/vampires, this is a must-have!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Dracula movie history: personable and thorough!, February 10, 2011

By 

Ann L. Weber "Psych Prof" (Asheville, NC United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Count Dracula Goes to the Movies: Stoker's Novel Adapted, 1922-2003 (Hardcover)

Similar to Lyndon W. Joslin, I consider my own lifelong avocation, if not vocation, being a Dracula fan -- since my first reading of Stoker's novel in 6th grade in 1965. I would add to that description the fact that I and clearly he both "get it" in my humble opinion, having committed to the novel and the genre long before "Dracula" films were available on video and became rather surprisingly popularized, capitalized, "revived," revised, and Goth'd. Not that there's anything wrong with that! I just always felt that "we" were here "first" -- or at least a lot earlier -- back when being a Dracula fan had no panache or even recognition. I kept up with my reading and viewing, but Joslin took the trouble to write an excellent history, combining honesty about and honor for the spirit of fandom for Stoker, Universal, Hammer, Forry Ackerman, Langella, now Gerard Butler, yes okay Lugosi, and -- still and always dear to my heart -- (Sir!) Christopher Lee -- and so much more. Joslin makes no apologies for the fact that his attentive appreciation for Bram Stoker's undoctored original novel forms the structure of his review, which is not only informative but lots of fun! The switches of heroines' names from Mina & Lucy to Lucy & Mina; the combinations of the greater and lesser male leads and their names; the tinkering with the vampire's powers (he must rest by day -- no, wait, he just has to wear sunglasses...) -- all these apocryphal adjustments of the story to fit cinematic convenience. Joslin acknowledges the need to adapt as necessary to make the movie happen. (And thank you, Mr. Joslin, for confirming that I was not the only one struck by the unfortunate effect of "Mina's" coiffure on Winona Ryder's ears in Coppola's film.) I'm not playing "find the flaw" for non-Stokeresque inspirations; and I'm not a Dracula purist. But I do so appreciate a fellow, well, appreciater! All right, this is a "review" and no reader will believe a commentary so hyperbolic. So, is there anything I'd criticize? Well, though Joslin cites (as almost no one else ever has) 1970's German film "Jonathan," he fails to remark (as he does on other films) the score that so poignantly uses Edvard Grieg's works. It made me a lifelong fan of the composer. One of the great thikngs about Dracula movies is that they bring you into contact with work you might otherwise not discover. Again, Lyndon Joslin gets it; he understands. Best of all, he really does write so well, and is so much fun to read. Nostalgic as I am for the days of watching Shock Theater while babysitting in a neighbor's dark family room at 1:00 a.m. and poring over best-of collections of "Famous Monsters of Filmland," I do love so much about the new age of Dracula fandom in the '90s, the Oh's and since. We now have Web and library access to film and print resources; books are back in print; there are conventions and fellow vampire geeks to connect to -- and I even actually met Mr. Lee a few years ago, courtesy of the Svehlas and Midnight Marquee! It's great to have Lyndon W. Joslin's invaluable book and its exciting revision. And by the way, it's terrific to encounter not just excellent writing on the subject, but to find therein impeccable grammar and spelling. Thanks so much. And I envy you who have not yet read the book. You have much to look forward to.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good book overall, March 20, 2003

By 

H. N. Dohe (My Sanctum Sanctorium) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Count Dracula Goes to the Movies: Stoker's Novel Adapted, 1922-1995 (Hardcover)

This is a well written and easy to read book. Joslin takes a scholarly (and not snobbish) look at the Dracula movies made over the past few decades. My only complaint about McFarland books in general is that I wish they contained more photos and illustrations. However, the end-all-be-all of "Dracula at the Movies" books still belongs to Midnight Marquee's Dracula book.