CRYPT OF THE VAMPIRE (1964)

The operative word here is atmosphere, for that is the main attraction in this impressive entry into the genre of Italian Gothic Horror. In fact, this film is so choked with atmosphere that the viewer won't mind the horror being more suggested than explicit. Made in 1964, the film's original title translates as THE CRYPT AND THE INCUBUS. It was released directly to television in the United States by American-International Pictures under the title TERROR IN THE CRYPT. I saw the film on TV in the 1970's under that title. It was always a fun watch, even though it was a little difficult to make sense of the story. Years later, I purchased a copy from Sinister Cinema that had poor imagery and sound. Now it can be seen in its uncut, remastered, Blu-ray Gothic glory as part of the first Euro-Crypt of Christopher Lee box set from Severin Films.

Mr. Lee stars as Count Karnstein in this rather loose adaptation of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's short novel CARMILLA. The story was previously adapted for the films VAMPYR (1932) and BLOOD AND ROSES (1960). The director, Camillo Mastrocinque, credited as Thomas Miller, would direct Barbara Steele in another Gothic gem, UN ANGELO PER SATANA aka AN ANGEL FOR SATAN, two years later.

Using the word "vampire" in the title is somewhat deceptive, as the vampiric activity is minimal. The main supernatural element of the story is witchcraft. The screenplay uses a frequently repeated plot device that originated with Mario Bava's BLACK SUNDAY, that of a condemned witch placing a curse upon her descendants as she is about to be executed. Count Karnstein's daughter, Laura (Audrey Amber), appears to be the victim of the curse. She has visions of other female Karnsteins being murdered, and her visions turn out to be true. Laura fears she may be possessed by the spirit of her executed ancestor. Her situation becomes even more complicated because of her mysterious attraction to Ljuba (Ursula Davis), a young stranger who is staying at the castle. The family housekeeper, Rowena (Nela Conjiu), herself a practicing witch, tries to exorcise the evil spirit from Laura by summoning Satan during a ritual. Count Karnstein takes a more benign approach by inviting scholar Friedrich Klauss (Jose Campos) to the castle to help find a way to stop the killings and save Laura. Laura and Friedrich are drawn to each other until Ljuba arrives and comes between them.

CRYPT OF THE VAMPIRE is worth a watch for fans of Italian Gothic Horror, in large part for the commanding presence of Christopher Lee in all of his 1960's dramatic and physical prime. Lee plays a noble, sensitive character for a change, rather than a sinister one. But he is perfectly at home in this kind of atmosphere. The plot may be somewhat derivative, but there's no reason to let that get in the way of enjoying the movie. There are more than enough distractions to focus on: the gorgeous Black & White cinematography, the ghostly castle, the howling winds, the incessant ringing of a bell in the tower of a ruined church, and the effective use of music. The erotic attraction between Laura and Ljuba, while not explicit, is somewhat daring for the time period.

There are two options for language on the Blu-ray, Italian and English. Christopher Lee speaks his English dialogue, which is an added pleasure. Audrey Amber's real name is Adriana Ambesi. Ursula Davis' real name is Pier Anna Quaglia. She also had a featured role in Mastrocinque's UN ANGELO PER SATANA in 1966.