Short but interesting adaptation

Little-known TV adaptation of Sheridan Le Fanu's short novel. Running at just under an hour, it relocates the story from Styria to the American South, although the time period looks to be the same (mid to late 1800s). It's also a very abridged version of the story, whilst at the same time adding some elements not found in the original. Meg Tilly makes a good Carmilla, Ione Skye is the heroine (here named Marie, instead of Laura), Roy Dotrice plays her father, and Roddy McDowall (an old hand at facing vampires after his second Fright Night movie just the year before) is the police Inspector who suspects Carmilla's true nature. Production-wise it's about on a par with the old Tales from the Darkside horror TV series, but this succeeds on its performances.The eeriest scene is undoubtedly when Carmilla is behind Marie in the mansion grounds at night feeding from her neck; it's only when the camera pulls right back that we see Carmilla is actually floating in the air as she's feeding - with her feet higher than her head. Apparently this version hasn't been available to buy since its original VHS release, but it is on YouTube. Interestingly, it was co-produced by the late Shelley Duvall (RIP). 6/10