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Post by Primemovermithrax Pejorative on Aug 20, 2018 23:26:06 GMT
Although the subject of Simpsons' jokes these days, and seen as antiquated social commentary by others, this 1972 vampire film with a blaxploitation angle has a lot of merits and some genuinely creepy moments (in particular when the cab driver rushes out to attack Elisha Cook Jr).
Directed by William Crain (who also did Dr. Black and Mr. White which has a particularly impressive and psychologically scary scene with Bernie Casey attempting to guilt trip a prostitute into trying his experimental serum) and starring William Marshall who brought class to a role that could have easily veered into cheaper territory. Thalmus Rasulala makes a worthy antagonist--he's not there to sympathize with Mamuwalde--that's for the audience to do--and so the conflict between them is more intense because they are fully committed to their interests which are entirely correct from their POV.
I cannot stand the "reincarnated love" subplot in vampire films but this is one case where I find it works.
Special mention for Charles Macaulay's Dracula--quite the mean dude.
Good luck trying to find an interview with Mr Crain though. His IMDB listing is spotty as hell. One interview link I tried didn't work-another had a virus warning. How is it that his name is associated with one of the most famous blaxploitation/vampire films and so little information on him?
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Post by Lebowskidoo 🦞 on Oct 20, 2018 14:45:11 GMT
Blacula is a genuine horror movie, and not just some spoof or blaxploitation film. William Marshall provides dignity and real threat, that voice alone would give you chills. The sequel, Scream Blacula Scream, is not nearly as good, despite the presence of Pam Grier.
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Post by politicidal on Oct 20, 2018 16:44:34 GMT
Earned new fans by a special guest appearance on The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy. Really.
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Post by Primemovermithrax Pejorative on Oct 20, 2018 17:28:19 GMT
Marshall is also in ABBY-an Exorcist rip-off. Hard to find in good quality because it was legally blocked (which I don't understand since there are lots of Exorcist rip-offs from the time that were closer in subject matter). Abby is a religious housewife who gets possessed by a Red Foxx sounding demon and then goes bar hopping for one night stands.
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