Director and writer Amando de Ossorio is probably best known for his terrific 'Blind Dead' films from the early 1970s. This was his first foray into horror, and features some richly picturesque locations but strangely considering the gothic surroundings, very little in the way of atmosphere. This is partly due to inconsistent music from prolific composer Carlo Savina; on occasions, his haunting violins really complement the supernatural suggestions offered - on others, the bland score really works against certain scenes of vampiric horror.
The lead villain here is played by Julián Ugarte, who would feature in a similar role in 1972's superb 'All the Colours of the Dark'. His slender features compliment a decidedly average performance as Count Wallbrooke.
I am reviewing the English-speaking version - as such, the acting on display has been dubbed - therefore much of the performances have been taken out of the hands of the actors on screen. Having said that, many female members of the cast are clearly 'vamping it up' - Anita Ekberg, for whom 'Malenka' is said to have been 'the final nail in the cinematic coffin', smoulders for all she is worth. My favourite performance is from Diana Lorys who is very good, and comparatively restrained, as Bertha Zemis.
It is difficult to know the tone the film was aiming for. The version I have seen is very light on sex or gore, two very popular traits in films at the time. The comedy side-kick character Max (César Benet) who is slightly annoying throughout, gets to steer the finale into oddly open-ended, light-hearted territory. My score is 5 out of 10.
The lead villain here is played by Julián Ugarte, who would feature in a similar role in 1972's superb 'All the Colours of the Dark'. His slender features compliment a decidedly average performance as Count Wallbrooke.
I am reviewing the English-speaking version - as such, the acting on display has been dubbed - therefore much of the performances have been taken out of the hands of the actors on screen. Having said that, many female members of the cast are clearly 'vamping it up' - Anita Ekberg, for whom 'Malenka' is said to have been 'the final nail in the cinematic coffin', smoulders for all she is worth. My favourite performance is from Diana Lorys who is very good, and comparatively restrained, as Bertha Zemis.
It is difficult to know the tone the film was aiming for. The version I have seen is very light on sex or gore, two very popular traits in films at the time. The comedy side-kick character Max (César Benet) who is slightly annoying throughout, gets to steer the finale into oddly open-ended, light-hearted territory. My score is 5 out of 10.