Blood of the Vampire
Blood of the Vampire

Blood of the Vampire

1958Movie87 minEnglish

A man and wife are terrorized by Mad Scientist Dr. Callistratus who was executed but has returned to life with a heart transplant. Along with his crippled assistant Carl, the 'anemic' Mad Scientist, believed to be a vampire, conducts blood deficiency research on the inmates of a prison hospital for the criminally insane to sustain his return to life.

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IMDb6.0/10
Director: Henry CassGenres: Horror, Mystery

Plot Summary

A man is suspected of murdering his nurse and her lover, despite his claims of being under the influence of a malevolent mind. He is sent to an island asylum where he battles the hypnotic powers of a former associate who seeks to drain his life force. The film delves into themes of hypnotism, vampirism, and psychological torment.

Critical Reception

Blood of the Vampire (1958) is often remembered as a noteworthy entry in Hammer-style horror, particularly for its atmospheric tension and performances, though it is sometimes criticized for its pacing and dated special effects. It is generally considered a solid, if not groundbreaking, contribution to the genre of its time.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gothic atmosphere and a chilling performance by Donald Wolfit.
  • Noted for its suspenseful narrative centered around mind control and vampiric elements.
  • Some critics found its plot somewhat convoluted and its visual effects primitive by later standards.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's effectiveness in creating a sense of dread and suspense, with particular appreciation for Donald Wolfit's commanding presence. Some viewers find the story compelling, while others point out that its age shows in certain aspects.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive score was composed by the renowned British composer Benjamin Frankel, who also scored films like 'The Importance of Being Earnest' and 'On the Waterfront' (for which he received an Oscar nomination).

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

**_“Vampires? We don’t need no stinkin’ vampires”_** In 1880 Carlstadt, Düsseldorf, a doctor (Vincent Ball) is sentenced to life-in-prison for malpractice in performing an emergency blood transfusion, which had never been done successful...