Review of Blacula (1972) by Bob O — 05 Nov 2007

Now, this movie rules! William Marshall (thatâ??s the King of Cartoons to some of you folks out there) stars as an African prince named Mamuwalde. He and his wife, Luva, visit the castle of Count Dracula.

Something goes wrong with the meeting and Dracula lays a vampire curse on Mamuwalde -- he even christens him â??Blaculaâ?? before locking him away in a coffin. Flash foward to 1972 and some interior decorators discover Mamuwaldeâ??s coffin, effectively releasing him from his tomb.

Once free, Blacula stalks the streets of Los Angeles in search of Tina (played by Vonett McGee in a dual role; she plays Luva as well) because she looks like his long-lost wife. There are some truly creepy moments involving some of the vampires Blacula creates along the way.

Donâ??t be fooled, this movie is definitely not out for the camp factor like BLACKENSTEIN is. Followed by 1973â??s SCREAM BLACULA SCREAM!, which starred Pam Grier. See it.