An impetuous youth named Johnny Alucard (Neame) revives Drac to be master of a modern-day coven.

But, now back with a bang, everyone's favorite bloodsucker has only one thing on his mind: revenge.

Revenge on his old arch nemesis from the Victorian era, Professor Van Helsing. He seeks out the lovely modern descendant of the Van Helsing line, Jessica (Beacham), with the aim of making her his princess in darkness.

But Drac doesn't bet on the steely resources of her vampire-killing grandfather (Cushing)!

The premise of Dracula A.D. 1972 is rather one dimensional; too much emphasis is placed on London's then-current scene: its fashions, the slang, the hipster hangouts.

And alack, by this point in the franchise the murders, pacing and plotting have a faint echo of predictability to them.

But that's all redeemed by the solid performances from the effort's four leads. Little surprise, Lee and Cushing make the most of the material, delivering enthusiastic turns (in what by now are familiar roles for them).

And Beacham and Neame are both good here, especially the latter who delights in his malevolent character.

Also known as Dracula Today.