A dual starring role for George Zucco in one of his most ghoulis parts enlivens this very low budget vampire story. Playing both an evil devil worshipping vampire and kindly doctor brother, Zucco gives his all with a script full of incomprehension at the supernatural events and fiendish relish from the vampire undead. His rolling eyes peer out of the screen in a way that seems to reek of evil. Dwight Fyre plays his customary insane henceman role to the hilt, crying out "Master" as though he were Renfield. Indeed, this is basically Dracula retold, the story similarities are strong, even having a Lucy figure that the vampire wants to bring over to the undead. The locals misunderstand and accuse the good doctor similarly to The Vampire Bat (1935) and the vampire brother is eventually killed at dawn's cock crow by fire.
Special mention to the start with the disembodied head floating above a fire introducing the film must be made. The wonderful graveyard set with rotting gravestones and rolling fog also adds considerably to the atmosphere. he film was obviously cheaply made but avoids the campness of later Ed Wood Jr films. This makes it sincere in its attempts and the ghoulish tone does work. While no masterpiece, solid hours viewing is ensured. 9/10.
Special Thanks to Mark Coyle for this Movie Review.