Duane Jones of "Night of the Living Dead" fame plays Dr. Hess Green, a renowned professor of anthropology and geology who is assaulted by his unstable new assistant, George Meda (played by writer / director Bill Gunn). George stabs Hess with a ceremonial dagger that turns Hess into a fiend with a craving for blood. Then Georges' outspoken hottie wife Ganja (sexy Marlene Clark) arrives, looking for her husband and also looking for a place to stay. Ultimately, Hess and Ganja enter into a passionate relationship, fired by their desire for the red stuff.
It's a shame that this ended the filmmaking career of Mr. Gunn. His producers wanted him to deliver a "Blacula" type of exploitation-horror picture, but he took the money and made something far more interesting and substantial. This viewer found this to be an intriguing film that owes more to art films than conventional horror - full of meaning, symbolism, and imagery. Therefore, it won't be to some tastes: people may find it far too long and not exploitative or gory enough. But it is also extremely sexy, atmospheric, effectively acted, and nicely scored by Sam L. Waymon, who plays the supporting role of the Reverend Luther Williams.
Far from being a typical vampire flick, this features characters who may not be *that* sympathetic, but who are trying to come to terms with the changes in their lives. In fact, we never do hear the V word, and "Ganja & Hess" never does go for the "body count" approach. Nor is there anything resembling a Van Helsing kind of character.
Jones delivers a quiet, restrained performance. Perhaps a bit aloof, but this does fit his role. Clark is quite enticing to watch, and is given one big monologue well into the picture. Gunn himself is pretty memorable in his brief time on screen. This was the feature film debut for singer / actress Mabel King, of 'What's Happening!!' fame.
Re-released by various distributors, at various running times, over the next few years, but if people are looking for substance and not mere exploitation, they're advised to check out this full-length 114 minute-long version.
Seven out of 10.
It's a shame that this ended the filmmaking career of Mr. Gunn. His producers wanted him to deliver a "Blacula" type of exploitation-horror picture, but he took the money and made something far more interesting and substantial. This viewer found this to be an intriguing film that owes more to art films than conventional horror - full of meaning, symbolism, and imagery. Therefore, it won't be to some tastes: people may find it far too long and not exploitative or gory enough. But it is also extremely sexy, atmospheric, effectively acted, and nicely scored by Sam L. Waymon, who plays the supporting role of the Reverend Luther Williams.
Far from being a typical vampire flick, this features characters who may not be *that* sympathetic, but who are trying to come to terms with the changes in their lives. In fact, we never do hear the V word, and "Ganja & Hess" never does go for the "body count" approach. Nor is there anything resembling a Van Helsing kind of character.
Jones delivers a quiet, restrained performance. Perhaps a bit aloof, but this does fit his role. Clark is quite enticing to watch, and is given one big monologue well into the picture. Gunn himself is pretty memorable in his brief time on screen. This was the feature film debut for singer / actress Mabel King, of 'What's Happening!!' fame.
Re-released by various distributors, at various running times, over the next few years, but if people are looking for substance and not mere exploitation, they're advised to check out this full-length 114 minute-long version.
Seven out of 10.