"Dracula" probably represents the great horror drama of all time. The Harvard Dramatic Club's choice of this play reflects a sensitivity to popular reactions, for it has seldom been produced since its Broadway performance over fifteen years ago. Even if you did see Bela Lugosi do it in the movies a few years back, the play won't be mere repetition, since each Dracula is sinister in his own chilly way. You can hear were-wolves and howling dogs off stage, while a bat and a maniac add to the actual scene. A full quota of green light, darkness, and feminine screams also serve to enliven the evening. The central character is the sinister, putty-faced Count Dracula, an evil combination of Superman and Batman.

John W. Sullivan '43 gave the best performance as Professor Van Helsing, the eminent vampire sleuth, while J. Bradley Cumings III '46 shared the honors as a convincingly thirsty Dracula. Claire Birsh's ingenue apprentice vampire and Adams Nickerson '46, playing the mad Renfield, provide competent portrayals of difficult characters. Bob Keahey '45, who gave up acting this time to direct the play, deserves a large part of the credit for a successful production. The supporting cast is erratic, but surprisingly able in places.

But the horror of "Dracula" grips its audience so firmly that a few minor slips or weaknesses don't matter much. It is good theatre any time and has just the proper flavor for summer fare. Some of the lines may sound trite and some simply absurd, but the laughter disappears after a few attempts at blood-sucking. If you can forget sensitive, psychological drama for a while, you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat most of the evening. And you may not feel like taking the shortest route home through the darkened Yard after two and a half hours of well-played horror. In fact, you may steer clear of all shadowy places for the next few nights.