This direct sequel to the classic Lugosi film is one of the greatest disappointments in Universal's archive. Unlike Frankenstein's superior sequel, Dracula's Daughter blatantly attempts to separate itself from the original film. It's no longer set in a "timeless" world like Dracula was, it features only Van Helsing in a small role from the first film, and it tries to make the vampire a more human and evil character. The result is a slow (even at a mere 71 minutes) and uninvolving movie that seems to be more about a Jack the Ripper type character than the titular Tepes.

Of course, even in a film so poor, there are some good points which should be mentioned. Though the character is written more humanly, Gloria Holden looks the part of a vampire and seems genuinely sinister at times. Obvious parallels could be drawn between her and today's "Goths", but I digress. Edward Van Sloan again portrays Van Helsing with a sort of manic charm, yet still falls short of Cushing's defining performance. He does well with what time he has, and it's nice to see that continuity, but it's too little in such a dreadful film. Finally, unless I'm mistaken, this is the first filmed vampire "lesbianism" that became popular through both Hammer and less...reputable studios.

The story picks up as the original film is ending, with Dracula's body being found in Carfax Abbey. It's of course stolen from police custody (back in the thirties, vampire bodies didn't disappear) by his "daughter" and her hulking apprentice. That's about where any fun ends and the tortured vampiress seeking a lover/doctor business begins. In comes Otto Kruger as our toothy vixen's love interest and (apparently) the only man that could help her.

The standard vies for attention continue throughout the movie and end up with the Countess kidnapping Kruger's annoying secretary.

As I said, it doesn't really play out as a vampire movie after the first ten minutes or so, but worst of all, it doesn't bring back the excellent cast from the original film. It's little wonder Dracula's Daughter is one of the less liked entries in the Universal series, as it's very hard to recommend for anyone other than a completist.

Followed by Son Of Dracula. (Red, 7/12/04)

Directed By: Lambert Hillyer.
Written By: Garrett Fort.

Starring: Otto Kruger, Gloria Holden, Marguerite Churchill, Edward Van Sloan.