The Book Group: Dracula

For the ghoulish among you hankering after Halloween chills, this edition of The Book Group focuses on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. Stoker’s dastardly Count is second only to Sherlock Holmes for the number of times a literary character has been portrayed in film and TV, yet faithful adaptations of the original novel are less numerous than you might think.

Rare treats in this collection include Thames TV’s feature-length 1968 adaptation from the Mystery and Imagination series, starring Denholm Elliot and Susan George, while thirty years on re-visit Louis Jourdan’s memorable performance as a suave Count Dracula (1977). And take a look at the BBC’s lavish Christmas 2006 adaptation for a contemporary take on the novel. We’re also pleased to include the first true screen adaptation of Dracula, F.W. Murnau’s silent classic Nosferatu: Eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922), made in defiance of Stoker’s estate and now restored in all its chilling glory.

You can delve a little deeper into Bram Stoker’s work and the Victorian fears underpinning it with documentaries including a 1993 South Bank Show special. So what are you waiting for? Don’t be afraid…