Review of Vampire Circus (1972) by Steve J — 07 Jul 2013

Strong violence and graphic sex (by the standards of that time), among other qualities, distinguish this excellent horror thriller from the later years of Hammer Studios. Out of a simple set-up -- a vampire is put to death by concerned villagers, only to be resurrected 15 years later by a band of black magicians who run a traveling circus -- director Robert Young is able to wring some real tension, not to mention a few genuine shocks.

Even children are not safe in the beautiful but dangerous world he creates. The set design and cinematography are outstanding, and this may well be one of the best of all vampire films (and that would be a short list indeed).

Would make a great double bill with another classic Hammer vampire tale, Twins of Evil.