There are two versions of Dracula vs Frankenstein, both duds, that were released in 1970 and 1971 to the grave disappointment of most horror fans. This is the first version released; a science fiction tale also known as Assignment Terror. It does not feature Lon Chaney, which was the only thing the other film, also known as The Revenge of Dracula, had going for it (and, unfortunately, it was Chaney's final appearance).

This version is surrounded by controversy. Originally released in Spain, it has since been released in Germany, Italy and America. Directors credited include Tulio Demichelli (Demicheli, DeMichelli, DeMicheli), Peter Riethof, Hugo Fregonese and Eberhard Meichsner. No two sources seem to agree on any of the credits (much less how to spell them), so I am going with what I have listed on my American English version.

The only thing that does not seem to be in controversy is that this film is crap ... garbage ... a "bomb" -- in every language. The only thing I do not understand is why it was released in four countries. They should have stopped when it flopped in Spain!

The story goes something like this: aliens are trying to take over Earth. Their ultimate weapon is the superstitions of humans. Aliens take over the bodies of the world's leading surgeon and biochemist. They are led by the alien-possessed Dr. Warnoff (Michael Rennie). They collect and reanimate Dracula, Frankenstein, the mummy, and a werewolf. They intend to make thousands of them and turn them loose on mankind. They are also collecting beautiful young women that Dr. Warnoff believes no man could resist. He brainwashes the women into doing his bidding, then turns them loose on the men of the world.

Now, this sounds like a pretty good invasion plan, but Warnoff runs into several snags, most of which can be attributed to residual human emotions. Dr. Kerstein (Karin Dor) is all but impossible for him to control and becomes openly rebellious. His slave girls are falling in love with his monsters and are not interested in human men. Police Inspector Henry Tobermann (Craig Hill) is hot on his trail. His monsters are only interested in killing each other and his werewolf, Waldemar Daninsky (Paul Naschy) is a guilt-ridden, compassionate soul. Oh woe is the mad scientist of this story.

The first thing you will notice about this film is the funky monkey photography. There is an extreme amount of distortion of the images at times. It is especially noticeable with the cars and buildings, but often the people look like beanpoles. Most of the movie is shot in low-light to full darkness, so it is hard to see any details. It is obviously an extremely low-budget film.

The mummy is pathetic! They simply put a screened mask over the guy's face. The werewolf makeup is much better, and Dracula is outstanding. Frankenstein is another bad makeup job, but somehow it is fitting for the character and much easier to accept than that crappy mummy.

The writing is original and probably could have been worked into a great movie. However, that did not happen here. There is no suspense. This movie is flatlined -- a fatal condition for any horror movie.

The bottom line is that this version of Dracula vs Frankenstein, like the other version, is an absolute waste of a perfectly cast Dracula and Wolfman. How pitiful is that? There is not a single reason to watch this film. (The only reason to view the other version (1971) is if you are collecting Lon Chaney's work and need his final appearance.