Jonathan Frid stars as centuries old vampire Barnabas Collins, who, having been freed from his crypt, proceeds to work his way through his ancestors in order to get to Maggie Evans (Kathryn Leigh Scott), who he believes to be the reincarnation of his long dead love Josette. Barnabas is also offered a chance at being normal again when Dr. Julia Hoffman (Grayson Hall), who is in love with the vampire, creates a cure for his affliction; however, Barnabas is betrayed by the doctor when she learns of his plans to marry Maggie, and injects him with a serum that causes him to age instead.
As someone who has never seen the cult TV series on which this film is based, I found myself floundering at first, unsure as to who the characters were and what they were doing. Eventually, though, things clicked into place, and I found myself enjoying what is a massive helping of Gothic horror, with all the trappings that go with the genre: beautiful women, swirling mist, creepy old houses with cobweb strewn corridors, and bright red blood. Directed by Dan Curtis (Trilogy of Terror), the film has bags of atmosphere and style, and boasts great performances all round. Recommended to any connoisseur of Gothic vampire movies, especially Hammer fans, who will no doubt enjoy the movie's blend of horror, romance and excitement.
As someone who has never seen the cult TV series on which this film is based, I found myself floundering at first, unsure as to who the characters were and what they were doing. Eventually, though, things clicked into place, and I found myself enjoying what is a massive helping of Gothic horror, with all the trappings that go with the genre: beautiful women, swirling mist, creepy old houses with cobweb strewn corridors, and bright red blood. Directed by Dan Curtis (Trilogy of Terror), the film has bags of atmosphere and style, and boasts great performances all round. Recommended to any connoisseur of Gothic vampire movies, especially Hammer fans, who will no doubt enjoy the movie's blend of horror, romance and excitement.