Taste the Blood of Dracula

release year: 1970
genre: Hammer vampire horror
viewing setting: home DVD, 12/13/04

synopsis: Three rich guys pay for the privilege of drinking the blood of the slain Dracula, which of course can't turn out well.

impressions: Two things stand out here: the diminishing presence of Christopher Lee's Dracula and the hypocrisy of these supposedly devout, God-fearing family men. The former might be due to Lee's higher fees at the time (they paid him less but he was in the movie less) but his performance was also dull and devoid of emotion. The hypocrisy angle was great - these guys got what was coming to them. The plot was somewhat clunky, but it served to set up the vampire possession and kills. Perhaps worst of all was the exact method of Dracula's destruction at the end - it made no sense at all.

things to watch for: dancing snake lady

something this movie has that no other movie has: Dracula's blood, in a chalice, ready to drink

sequel to: Dracula Has Risen From the Grave

predecessor to: Scars of Dracula

acting: As mentioned, Christopher Lee didn't have much screen time here, and what he did have wasn't quality time. The three rich guys were well-acted, with distinct personalities.

final word: Worth seeing once, probably if (like me) you're watching all of these in sequence.

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