Day 12: Blacula (1972)

Blacula (1972)
Starring: William Marshall, Vonetta McGee, Denise Nicholas, Gordon Pinsent
Category: Weird
Plot Tags: vampire, exploitation, cult classic
Original release: August, 1972
Format viewed: DVD - rented from Vulcan, naturally
Directed by: William Crain
Written by: Raymond Koenig
Distributed by: American International Pictures

So pretty much there is no way to put Blacula in any other category than weird. It is fantastic in that way, but is decidedly screwy. The story starts with an African prince Mamuwalde visiting Count Dracula in 1780 to get his aid in stopping the slave trade. Now, there are a number of historical issues with this, but let's just go with suspension of disbelief as the backbone of watching this film. Dracula gets all bent out of shape, says some inappropriate things about his wife and proceeds to turn him into a vampire and imprisoning him in a coffin and trapping his wife to die in the room. He even bestows the name 'Blacula' on him which is just goofy beyond belief.

Fast forward to the 70s and two interior decorators in the region to buy antiques (in two uncomfortably funny stereotype gay characters) and purchase the lot of the house decor and ship back to America, including Blacula's coffin. Once back in the states, they open it and become his first victims. Now, I feel it is important to note that there are a number of inappropriate gay jokes and references in this film. Culturally speaking, this makes sense for the time but can be a little off putting if taken to seriously. Okay, back to it - the story then grows to include a scientific detective brought in on the two men's murder and even more so when one of the bodies disappears. He is kind of a cross between Shaft and Richard Belzer's character in a very blunt, unfunny sort of way that leads to one of the funnier lines in the movie spoken by the undertaker where one of the victim's funerals is taking place.

Anyway, as the science detective guy amps up the investigation, Blacula takes a shine to a woman who bears a striking resemblance to his wife at the start of the movie. Those of us who know a lot about the dracula legend know this is kind of a theme with the character. Those of us who are normal might be surprised by this. I digress.

More victims fall prey to Blacula and the story continues along to reveal the price for the vampire biting everyone, there is a great scene in the morgue where you know where it is going but still thrilling regardless and very well acted by the female victim. Okay - so as per usual, I could go on and on and on but the bottom line is this: fan-freaking-tastic soul soundtrack by Gene Page, amazingly funny dialogue 'maann, he is one straaaaaaaaaaaannnge dude' and a fun, silly story that flirts with being all camp but instead just makes all manner of fun in a relatively tight package. So yes, seek this one out but rent it with Scream Blacula Scream! as it is highlighted by a totally badass appearance of none other than Pam Grier. If you can't get both, start with this 1972 wack-a-noodle original.