Blacula

For those of you who have not seen it, the 1972, “blaxploitation” film Blacula, is a horror classic. The cast led by William Marshall as Mamuwalde / Blacula is a virtual cornucopia of 1970’s stereotypes from everyone’s favorite flashy decade I ask you what could be a better setting for a Vampire movie?

The plot takes us back to the 1700’s, where Mamuwalde, an African Prince is bitten by Count Dracula while visiting his castle. He is nailed into a coffin there to stay for eternity, and his beautiful wife Luva (Vonetta McGee, who also plays Tina) is left to die in a dungeon. Fast forward to 1972, Los Angeles two antique collectors find the coffin, and because it’s the 70’s they are so affectionately referred to as “faggots”. The two men open the coffin, and that’s when the fun begins. Blacula is turned loose, bites them, and takes to the streets of Los Angeles. To the common eye, he is mild-mannered, gentlemanly, Mamuwalde, but once he is angered he turns into Blacula. This can difference can be seen by the extra facial hair, including some sweet sideburns. Mamuwalde finds himself in a swinging club where he meets up with “Tina,” who is really “Luva” reincarnated. There is a gem of a scene at the nightclub where Mamuwalde is introduced to Tina. Not only do we meet a great character named “Skillet”, who comments on Blacula’s “crazy threads”, but we get treated to a performance by the Hues Corporation (you may remember them from the Classic “Rock the Boat”). That’s right, no horror movie is complete without booty shaking, but I digress.

A love story ensues, but let’s be real, that’s not why we’re here. Dr. Gordon, Tina’s brother-in-law, soon figures out he’s a vampire after he’s been investigating a rash of strange killings throughout the city. These are obviously the work of a Blacula. There are some memorable scenes, including, street thugs harassing Blacula, who eventually kicks their ass and turns them. Of course, these people end up turning others. There’s impaling, burnings, and Dr. Gordon protecting himself with a cross is really just priceless. As for the effects, you must keep in mind the time it was made. The gore was there. The other vampire killings were pretty brutal and bloody at times. Not to spoil, but watch out for the ending, that’s the piece de resistance. I’m not giving it away in case you heed the call and rent this campy, yes, however spectacular DVD.

Overall, not real scary..this is NOT Texas Chainsaw Massacre. However, for the vampire and even kitsch factor alone it’s worth it. By the way, if you like this, there is always the sequel with William Marshall and the lovely Pam Grier “Scream, Blacula, Scream” I love vampires…I love blood and I love to laugh…and that and no jive!

Gore Rating = 2 ½

Sideburns Rating = 5

Overall Rating = 4

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