Search: Directed by Terence Fisher

Director Terence Fisher thoroughly enjoys himself, his use of vivid colour bringing an extra dimension to the usual doom-laden gloom.

The sensitivity of Lee’s performance helps to draw out the ambiguities in Shelley’s work, and the moral complexities which, acknowledged or not, are a critical component of the story’s staying power.

Still has the power to send shivers down the spine.

Constantly chilling and never less than eerie, this first colour outing for Vlad is undoubtedly the stuff of nightmares.

Cushing delivers his lines with a clipped precision that brings absolute conviction to the role.

Though the drama is crudely drawn with familiar Hammer strokes, this is a film that benefits from both tight scripting and a willingness to push boundaries.

Diffring is strong in the lead, showing a side to his talents that he would rarely have the chance to use again.

It’s really Lee’s performance which gives the film its soul.