The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires

release year: 1974
genre: horror/martial arts
viewing setting: home Bluray, 12/22/20

synopsis: Some vampires in China seek Count Dracula's help to restore their power; they are opposed by a group of martial-arts siblings, plus a few other random people.

impressions: Interesting. This was intended to be the first great horror/martial-arts masterpiece, and as far as I can tell, it was the last. Among other things, it had decaying vampires, servants that shuffled along almost as if drunk, nude women being sacrificed, Peter Cushing as vampire hunter Van Helsing, a brave young British hero type, a rich adventuring woman, and last but not least plenty of martial arts action! This included people vs people and people vs vampires.

acting: Peter Cushing is super serious as Ven Helsing. Robin Stewart is his brave young son. David Chiang is the main kng-fu brother. Shih Szu is the one sister in the family, who also fights well. Julie Ege is the unusual and beautiful rich widow who joins the quest.

final word: Goofy at times, but still an action-packed blend of two different genres.

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