Count Dracula (David Niven) is laying low in the modern-day. He enjoys his quiet time but finds the rest of the world to be a weird and alienating place. He grows more and more lonesome without his wife, Vampira, at his side. His castle is now a tourist attraction and vampires are “hip”. So hip in fact that it becomes the ideal spot for a Playboy photoshoot. With so much fresh blood, now is the time for his wife’s blood transfusion. But the finished results transform Dracula’s bride into a healthy black woman. Comedy then ensues.
Old Dracula (this blu-ray uses its original title Vampira, 1974) is a big mess. Its main problem is its main joke, Dracula’s wife is now a modern black woman, just isn’t funny. It’s not only distasteful, but the film isn’t smart enough to truly break any taboos. There is no real conflict since the wife is fine. I guess the Count is just racist? So its in middle, just a vampire comedy with stale jokes. It’s a shame too since David Niven makes for a fun older gentleman Dracula.
David Niven (The Pink Panther, 1967’s Casino Royale) seems to be having a good enough time in the role. The script gives him little to work with. Most of the attempts of humor are fish out of water style silliness. But still, Niven is fun to watch with his prudish reaction shots. Released the same year as Mel Brooks’ comedy classic Young Frankenstein, Vampira was of course given the retitle of Old Dracula. It’s a one-joke title as well and Niven does really comment on his age.
Teresa Graves does a fine job as the Countess Vampira. Like Niven, the screenplay gives Graves little to do. The only real attempts of humor are when she starts to blend in with modern society and goes to see the Jim Brown actioner Black Gunn. She shines as a movie star and its a damn shame they gave her nothing to do. In a fun nod to Hammer films, Veronica Carlson (Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed) has a fun bit part as one of the playmates.
It’s a bit sad to see so many resources and a game cast be wasted on an unfunny comedy. Still, as a time capsule, there is a few moments to enjoy. The movie showcases plenty of London sleaze and shows some of the city’s lesser points. It’s also neat to finally see David Niven’s close up that was used in many of the introduction segments for Bob Wilkins’ Creature Features.
Vinegar Syndrome gives this comic oddity some new life on Blu-ray. The 1080p HD Transfer is mostly spotless with vivid colors and sharp focus.It’s scanned from its 35mm interpositive. There are some natural film grain and no DNR issues. The bright red credits are especially handsome. The movie comes with a well-mixed 2.0 English track. There are no pops or hiss. English subtitles are included.
Extras included:
- “A Shot in the Dark” an interview with cinematographer Anthony Richmond
- Promotional still gallery
- And Reversible cover artwork.
Old Dracula is a huge mess. Mostly unfunny but still charming. Worth a rental.
Directed by- Clive Donner
Cast- David Niven, Teresa Graves
Country of Origin- UK
Discs- 1
Distributor- Vinegar Syndrome
Reviewer- Tyler Miller