The Brides of Dracula is a 1960 British supernatural gothic horror film produced by Hammer Film Productions. Directed by Terence Fisher, the film stars Peter Cushing, David Peel, Freda Jackson, Yvonne Monlaur, Andrée Melly, and Martita Hunt. The film is a sequel to the 1958 film Dracula, though the character of Count Dracula does not appear in the film, and is instead mentioned only twice. Christopher Lee declined to appear in the film as Dracula since he feared typecasting, but he would years later reprise his role in the next film in the Dracula series, Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966). Roy Ashton handled Makeup, Syd Pearson did Special Effects, Bernard Robinson was Production Designer and John Peverall was Assistant Director. David Peel was chosen for the lead vampire role of Baron Meinster. He soon after retired from acting and went into selling real estate and antiques. Filming began Jan. 26, 1960 and ended on March 18. The film premiered on July 7, 1960 at the Marble Arch Odeum, and was released in the UK on Aug. 29th, and in the US in September.