MovieChat Forums > Sangue per Dracula (1974) Discussion > One of the better Vampire movies/More Fo...

One of the better Vampire movies/More Footage?

posted 19 years ago by pmac1978
9 replies | jump to latest

As a kid I was obsessed with Vampire films. From the very first time I saw Lugosi as the count, to the re-runs and VHS release of the ABC soap Dark Shadows. I was only 12 when I first saw "Blood For Dracula" . I don't think my mom had a clue when she rented it for me just how adult it was. But I was always beyond my years. I rented it time after time and would catch the late night screening on "Flight Night" ? Which I believe was a part of USA channel.

That opening shot of Udo Kier painting life into his face, only to reveal a mirror with no reflection is just brilliant! Kier is also very sympathetic. A trait found in Dark Shadows, Barnabas Collins. It seems that as he regains his strength towards the end of the film, he regains his darker side. The haunting theme underscoring most of the film just adds to the tone. The music in this film is so brilliantly composed that it is almost another character in itself.

I adore Joe Dallesandro. Not just because the man is goregous. Although that's not bad either. I feel of all the Warhol films, he doesn't look as sexy as he does in BFD. I have read, sadly, that he is not fond of his work in either Dracula or Frankenstein. I never really cared for the latter. Blood For Dracula is by far a better film. It has much more atmosphere. Where FFF is just plain gorey and violent.

As a kid I was stunned and appalled that Dracula was walking around in the sunlight, merely holding a hand or hat up to his face to shield himself. But I agree with Kier's comments on the Criterion DVD . The film works becuase It did break rules . I have come to appreciate that with each viewing. The film is charming and wonderful becuase it breaks rules, is beautifully shot and acted. Maxime Mckendry is a hoot as the Marquisa Del Fiuery (I know I spelled that wrong) .

I was thrilled to find the film released on DVD and enjoyed the commentary by Morrisey and Kier. Although I would have liked to have heard Dallesandro's memories of the film. Also, I had hoped for the original trailer for the film to be included. It was included on the end of the original Video Gems release of "Flesh For Frankenstein". Also I would have liked to have seen any behind the scenes footage or outtakes that might exist.Perhaps if another distributor re-issues the DVD this might be a possibility?

[–] groucho_de_sade 19 years ago

This is amazing. Your experience is almost identical to mine, except I first saw it on USA, when they used to show this and Frankenstein back to back. I was very young when I saw it: only 8 or 9, but I too was wise beyond my years. I'm 26 now, and I have loved both of these films equally since then. I'm proud to own both Criterion DVDs, and I even have managed to get a CD containing the soundtrack to both films.
I love Udo's performances, and the beautiful sets and locations, and I love the decadent trashy 70s atmosphere that the films share. And yes, Joe Dallesandro was hot! (Seriously, who has a nicer ass than he did at that time?!)
As far as deleted scenes, the Criterion editions are the uncut versions of both films. Of course, Frankenstein was originally in 3-D. You can find a certain edition that is a 2-pack of both films, and Frankenstein is in 3-D, and it has the same commentaries, plus documentaries and trailers. The trouble is, it's so expensive, and you also have to have the digital 3-D glasses which are very costly as well.
As for me, I'm happy with the DVDs I have. And it's cool to find someone who feels the same affection for this movie that I do.

I don't want some renegade necrophile princess as MY roommate!

[–] BijouBob8mm 19 years ago

I, too, recall first catching this on the USA Channel, of all places. Having been too young to see either FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN or BLOOD FOR DRACULA during their initial run, I tuned in when they debuted (in prime time!) on USA one Friday night; knowing they would be chopped to pieces but still wanting to see what I'd been missing. (I don't recall them being on the old USA Nite Flite, which used to run great old sci-fi, horror and cult classics before bombarding us with the bimbo fare of USA's "Up All Nite" offerings. Anyone remember Saturday afternoon's GROOVIE MOVIE with Commander USA?) Back then the cable channels were a lot fewer, but they were a lot cooler.

[–] hgu73112 18 years ago

ME TOO! I've always wanted to get this movie on video or DVD. I watched it every chance I got back when it was on USA all the time. Wish I'd had the foresight to record it. I love Udo Kier too, I just saw him in Armageddon and it reminded me of this movie.

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] gemeny 18 years ago

Use your imagination, Systematicer, if you were in the position of being quite, well, 'dead' looking, and knowing that you must use make-up and hair colour just to blend in, I'd bet that you would also be staring at your 'non'-reflection, reminiscing of the times when you were untroubled by the need of a virgins blood to keep yourself and your sister from, errm, dying.(?) In fact I'd bet that you would weep invisible tears, and smudge all your half-arsed work. Now tuck in your shirt and get back to school before you get detention!

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] dani_mckinley 18 years ago

Lucretia my reflection,

How do you know Vampires cannot see their own reflection in this film anyway the soul or lack of one would leave none in other films. We are human so that might also be why, outside the box that one.

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] ddschneider1972 16 years ago

Well, if you want to get technical, sunlight didn't vaporize vamps until Hollywood.