Among the films of the Seventies that were classified as black exploitation Blacula still has quite the cult following. No doubt due to William Marshall's voice and commanding presence in the title role. Marshall outside of the two Blacula films is best known for an appearance on Star Trek as Doctor Dengstrom who invents a super computer. Had he come along a little later Marshall would have been giving James Earl Jones stiff competition for the roles Jones got.
Marshall plays an African prince who comes over with his wife Vonetta McGee and is entertained by the famous Count Dracula. Marshall is on a mission to stop the African slave trade, but Charles Macauley who plays the infamous count defends the institution and then he and his vampire minions attack the visiting prince and make him a vampire in a sealed coffin with McGee locked in a sealed tomb.
Two centuries go by and a pair of gay and flamboyant antique dealers buy the contents of Dracula's castle and unloose Marshall on 20th century Los Angeles. Marshall is one hungry vampire and after 200 years of no feeding.
Worst of all he spots Vonetta McGee who is a reincarnated version of his bride. Worse for Marshall she's the sister of Denise Nicholas who is the wife of his Van Helsing Thalmus Rasulala.
My reaction to the two stereotypical gay guys was at first to be offended. But on further reflection these two stereotypes and all represent a hopeful future.
Blacula follows along the lines of the Dracula legend with all the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of the vampire. In the end one of those weaknesses bring his demise about, but not after he wreaks havoc in Los Angeles.
And the film is quite a picture of seventies culture, especially black culture. The voice of Marshall, simply marvelous.
Marshall plays an African prince who comes over with his wife Vonetta McGee and is entertained by the famous Count Dracula. Marshall is on a mission to stop the African slave trade, but Charles Macauley who plays the infamous count defends the institution and then he and his vampire minions attack the visiting prince and make him a vampire in a sealed coffin with McGee locked in a sealed tomb.
Two centuries go by and a pair of gay and flamboyant antique dealers buy the contents of Dracula's castle and unloose Marshall on 20th century Los Angeles. Marshall is one hungry vampire and after 200 years of no feeding.
Worst of all he spots Vonetta McGee who is a reincarnated version of his bride. Worse for Marshall she's the sister of Denise Nicholas who is the wife of his Van Helsing Thalmus Rasulala.
My reaction to the two stereotypical gay guys was at first to be offended. But on further reflection these two stereotypes and all represent a hopeful future.
Blacula follows along the lines of the Dracula legend with all the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of the vampire. In the end one of those weaknesses bring his demise about, but not after he wreaks havoc in Los Angeles.
And the film is quite a picture of seventies culture, especially black culture. The voice of Marshall, simply marvelous.