Blacula

For all of its shortcomings, 1972's BLACULA has at least one of the most memorable, hair raising moments I can recall in any movie.  An undead woman arises from a gurney and races down a hallway to claim her victim, a morgue attendant.  Director William Crain utilizes slow motion in such a way as to milk every second.  Actress Ketty Lester performs the scene perfectly, creating nightmare imagery that, had I seen this movie during childhood, I'm certain I would've been permanently scarred.  It's that vivid.

The rest of the movie is hit and miss, but perfect Friday night popcorn.  It's clear early on, after a anti-slavery story element is abandoned, that BLACULA exists merely to entertain, and of course to cash in on the wave of cinema known as blaxploitation.  It would take a bit of work to mine any real social statements from this.  In fact, the film could easily be deemed racist and homophobic, especially with its slur-ridden dialogue, even from the protagonists.

"Blacula" is an eighteenth century African prince named Mamuwalde (William Marshall) who was bitten by and cursed by Count Dracula in 1780.  He was sealed in a coffin while his wife Luva (Vonetta McGee) was left to die in the crypt next to him.  Nearly two hundred years later, the coffin is bought along with several other artifacts by two interior designers and shipped to Los Angeles.  Soon, Blacula is released from his tomb and sucks a few necks dry across town.  When he lays eyes on Tina (also McGee), he is convinced she is a reincarnation of Luva.  But she is the sister of Michelle (Denis Nicholas) who's dating Dr. Thomas (Thalmus Rasulala), an LAPD pathologist who is instantly suspicious of the erudite newcomer.  Things aren't likely to end happily.

BLACULA's strengths are the Shakesperian trained Marshall's imposing, excellent performance, some spooky atmosphere, and really groovy music throughout.  McGee is a real stunner, though this is not her best work.  The film carries a PG rating, so while there is some blood there's nothing that probably even grandma couldn't stomach.  And my hat's off to Crain for making a relatively restrained vampire pic, especially one designed for drive-ins and grindhouses.