Review of Lemora: A Child's Tale of the Supernatural (1974) by Allan C — 19 Mar 2015

"Lemora: A Child's Tale of the Supernatural" 1973.

This unusual vampire movie is strangely engaging. After listening to the commentary from the writer-director and actors I have the impression it was accidentally good. I don't think anyone working on the film had a good grasp of what they were doing, but through a combination of inspiration, luck, and good performances from the two lead actresses it turned out to be memorable.

It follows the adventures of Lila (an ingénue who sings in the choir and is the adopted daughter of a minister) as she travels to a remote town in the American south, of the 1930s, to visit her dying father. She encounters creeps at every step along the way, at first human creeps then not so human ones. As the audience already knows, its a set up by a supernatural power to lure the girl.

Her father is there but the real reason she was invited is because a vampire, Lemora, wants her. Lemora makes an impression with her wide, staring eyes and her aristocratic air. There are zombie-like vampires running wild in the area. They are a threat to Lila and a threat to Lemora's plans, whatever they are.

Its a medium pace, atmospheric movie; a little bit southern gothic. The score is unusual and effective. Most movies of this type use orchestra music. This movie uses music like "Rock of Ages" and "Just a Closer Walk with Thee." In a couple of places I noticed a use of blue and red light that reminded me of "Suspiria.".

The end of the movie is mysterious and leaves you wondering. The end was not part of the original script and apparently was forced on the director by some other party.

Perhaps the movie is best summed up by the question the guy working at the bus station asks Lila. "What do you like best now, soft or hard centers?".