USA and Lifetime Networks Offer Viewers First Run Films
This week I preview two upcoming television movies. Readers also get information on upcoming political coverage, a CHARLIE'S ANGELS trivia contest and more. Enjoy.
Review of DARK PRINCE: THE TRUE STORY OF DRACULA: "My sacred mission is to bring order to Romania. If someone lies or commits any injustice, he is not likely to stay alive, whether nobleman, priest or common man. There must be security for all in my land. If they say I'm a vindictive man, they fear me. And that is well. When a prince is powerful at home, he will be able to do as he wills. If I am feared by the right people, Romania will be strong." - Vlad Dracula
The name Dracula has become synonymous with Halloween. While most people know the fictionalized story of Count Dracula, few know the story of the actual person on whom the story is based. The USA Network is hoping to change all of that with their two-hour original television movie entitled, DARK PRINCE: THE TRUE STORY OF DRACULA.
DARK PRINCE boasts an all-star cast including Rudolf Martin (BEGGARS AND CHOOSERS) in the lead role. Co-stars include Peter Weller (ROBOCOP), Roger Daltry (TOMMY), Jane March (COLOR OF NIGHT) and Michael Sutton (INVENTING THE ABBOTS). The film is directed by Joe Chappelle (HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS) and produced by Butch Kaplan (THE PATRIOT).
I've had the pleasure of seeing a preview copy of the film and heartily recommend it. Be forewarned, however. The film contains some fairly graphic fighting scenes as well as scenes depicting the brutal torture of some convicts. Parents should exercise extreme caution as this is not a family film.
DARK PRINCE is similar in tone to the classic gothic horror movies produced by American International Pictures in the 1960s. The mood of DARK PRINCE is dark and somber. The production was filmed on location in Transylvania and the extra effort pays off for viewers.
DARK PRINCE: THE TRUE STORY OF DRACULA depicts the life of Vlad Dracula, a real-life Romanian prince from the 15th century. The story begins when the teenage Vlad and his younger brother Radu are kidnapped and held hostage by the Turkish Sultan, Mohammed. Their father is murdered - buried alive - but Vlad does not know by whom.
The Sultan holds Vlad and Radu captive for many years. He develops a fondness for Radu that presents Vlad with many problems in later years. When Vlad is finally released, he vow's vengeance for his father's death and plots to return to kill the Sultan.
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