Blacula

The first Blaxploitation film I remember watching was 1979's Penitentiary, a gritty prison drama and boxing film. But today we are going to look at a film far on the other end of the blaxploitation scale, this my friends, is Blacula!

Released in 1972 Blacula sees African Prince Mamuwalde (William Marshall) cursed by Dracula to become a vampire, his wife murdered and himself sealed away under Draculas castle. Nearly two hundred years latter Mamuwalde, or Blacula as he was dubbed by Dracula, awakens when his coffin is taken to Los Angeles and started to feast upon the blood of anyone he wants. It's only when he comes across Tina (Vonetta McGee), a young woman who because of the striking resemblance he believes to be the reincarnation of his wife. While drinking blood and seducing Tina, Blacula must also contend with Dr. Gordon Thomas (Thalmus Rasulala), a pathologist who works for the LAPD and the first to realises that a vampire is behind the recent string of murders.

Outside of this been a blaxploitation film it is really a very standard vampire film and doesn’t stray from the formula very often, that been said it isn't a bad thing because the film is made with great style, the rhythm and blues soundtrack contrasts with the classical music used in similar horror films in a good way, but in my opinion the best thing this film has going for it is William Marshall who brings dignity and lots of cool to what could easily of become a very campy character. The ending is also unexpected and caught me off guard, a very nice surprise.

This is a stylish and fun film for fans of vampire films or 70's horror, if you have never seen a blaxploitation film you could find a worse places to start.

Eureka Video has recently released both Blacula and its sequel Scream Blacula Scream in a blu-ray set.