Independent-International Picture, 1975

starring: Christopher Lee

directed by: Calvin Floyd

the plot: We all know the quintessential components of the vampire mythos: they are neither alive nor dead but undead; they drink blood, hunting for their prey at night and returning to their coffins by daybreak; they cast no shadow, are incredibly strong, and have a powerful aversion to garlic. And, oftentimes, they transform into bats. But did you know that, according to Romanian folklore, vampires can also take the form of large dogs, snakes, wolves or black cats? And did you know they meet annually in cemeteries to discuss who is to be killed in the coming year and by whom? “In Search of Dracula” is a documentary that traces the origins of horror’s most iconic figure, whose legend was immortalized in Bram Stoker’s classic 1897 novel. Narrated by Christopher Lee and featuring footage of Lee as Dracula, the film explores the deep-seated superstitions of Transylvanian peasants and other eastern Europeans. It also outlines the lurid history of Hungarian countess Elizabeth Bathory, who is said to have bathed in the blood of young girls, as well as Vlad the Impaler, the sadistic Romanian ruler upon whom Stoker based his infamous character. The film even explores more recent examples of real-life vampirism, while also chronicling the extensive history of vampire cinema.

why it’s good: Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” has inspired more commercially successful films than any other novel. So claims Christopher Lee, who narrates this fascinating documentary with impeccable elocution in his deep tenor. Long before Lee adopted his evil roles as Saruman in “Lord of the Rings” and Count Dooku in “Star Wars,” he portrayed the world’s most notorious vampire in a series of Hammer Film productions, starting with 1958’s “Horror of Dracula.” Here, Lee recounts the numerous stories, both mythical and factual, that have fed into Dracula’s evolving persona, including a bit about an American doctor who, in 1964, conducted the only psychological study in recorded history to document vampire traits in an actual patient. There’s also an interesting segue into the origins of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece “Frankenstein” (director Calvin Floyd helmed “Terror of Frankenstein” two years after his Dracula doc). Mixed into the narrative is footage from several vampire films, including the silent 1922 classic “Nosferatu” and the 1931 trendsetter “Dracula.” There’s also some original footage, with Lee reprising the role that made him famous. It’s an educational journey into the religious, mythological and criminological facets of our favorite fanged villain, all executed while maintaining a dark and foreboding cinematic mood.

why you should own it: “In Search of Dracula” has made it onto DVD, although it may be difficult to find. It is available on Hulu, though, and the film is well worth checking out for any vampire enthusiast. It’s both informative and creepy, especially when it shows a vampire bat walking upright and feeding on a seemingly hypnotized rat. At the end, Christopher Lee assures us with utmost gravitas that vampires and other frightful creatures do, in fact, exist.