Hammer Films classic Dracula will screen at Cannes, thanks to a new restoration done by the British Film Institute.

Based on the novel by Bram Stoker first published in 1897, this was the first color version of Dracula. It was a massive international success on its original release and established Christopher Lee for many as the definitive interpreter of the demonic count. Peter Cushing also gives a great performance as the vampire hunter Van Helsing. High production values and a host of character actors, aided by a cracking script by Jimmy Sangster, add up to a rich and satisfying horror classic.

John de Mol, of Endemol, bought the catalogue and has big plans for the franchise. Spitfire Pictures has a first-look deal with Hammer.