The MovieHistory shows that the vampires return every 40 years, says
a local chap in the bar; while it's but a few months since The
Vampire Lovers, that's 40 vampire years ... and, would you believe it, a young
women's finishing school has just opened in the shadow of the castle. And that
girl; the one whose name is an anagram of Camilla ... doesn't she look the image
of her? Another vampire movie with women in all the lead roles; the 'Count' has
about four lines in the whole film (two of which are "Heart Attack"). ReviewHammer
horror films had a time honored recipe; a dozen beautiful women, a castle, and
some thick locals; pour on some fresh blood and stir vigorously. And it's a good
formula, and, by and large it works in this one. As usual, the problem of Our
Heroine being effectively deaded last time out is solved with a ritual pouring
of virgin's blood; nice one! Cheap but effective special effects, too. The
women are flimsily dressed (of course!), with very loose clothing and little embarassment,
and carry off the the plot with some style. Some of the acting is leaden; especially
the lead man, who doesn't seem to realise that he is the lead, and the women who
manages the school, who seems to have stage fright. Or something. The pace
is a little uneven; Hammer give out clues like sweeties, then feel the need to
dawdle at times, in case you missed them. I'll never be surprised if a sign decends
from above saying "Villain - Hiss Now!". And it was disappointing to
hear a vampire saying "We Can't Be Hurt By Fire" - Rubbish, man! But
these are minor points; a good, traditional, entertaining vampire movie. The
DVD - Director: Jimmy Sangster
- Starring: Ralph Bates, Michael
Brennan, et al.
- DVD Release: November 20, 2001
- Not for sale to
persons under age 18.
- Region 1
- Colour
- Widescreen
- NTSC
The
Hammer "LeFanu" Series |
