Count Dracula Goes to the Movies

<p> First published in 1897 Bram Stoker's <I>Dracula</I> has never been out of print. Yet most people are familiar with the title character from the movies. Count Dracula is one of the most-filmed literary characters in history--but has he (or Stoker's novel) ever been filmed accurately?</p><p> In its third edition this study focuses on 18 adaptations of <I>Dracula</I> from 1922 to 2012 comparing them to the novel and to each other. Fidelity to the novel does not always guarantee a good movie while some of the better films are among the more freely adapted.</p><p> The Universal and Hammer sequels are searched for traces of Stoker along with several other films that borrow from the novel. The author concludes with a brief look at four latter-day projects that are best dismissed or viewed for ironic laughs.</p>