‘You can no longer struggle. You’ll return to the depths again. Go! Igor has so decreed.’
The vampire Nostradamus is a bit peeved at the academic reputation of his famous ancestor and tries to convince an eminent Professor to redress the balance in the mystic’s favour. Unfortunately, his methods of persuasion include intimidation, murder and behaving like a right little shlt…
Originally this was a Mexican TV series in 12 parts, each lasting 25 minutes. But then legendary movie distributor K Gordon Murray got his hands on the footage, dubbed it into English and cut it into 4 films for the U.S. drive-in circuit. This is the second in the series, although it’s not necessary to have seen the other instalments, each being fashioned into a stand-alone feature as far as possible. But, of course, it’s still a problem as this ‘middle section’ has far too much talk, too little action and a climax desperately in need of a little shock treatment. Pretty ungrammatical title too, eh?
However, Nostradamus does cut a fine and dashing figure as the lead vampire, and no wonder! Star Germàn Robles had previous experience in the title role of south of the border smash ‘El Vampiro’ (1958) and its sequel ‘El ataúd del Vampiro (The Vampire’s Coffin)’ (1958). So, it’s business as usual for him, and he’s the best reason (maybe the only reason) to give this effort any of your time. His hunchback assistant wanders about providing some support, but at times doesn’t look that deformed at all.
‘Betcha didn’t see this coming, you pointy toothed bastard…’
The SFX are of the usual ‘jump-cut’ variety and, although the model bat doesn’t betray as many wires as usual, there is little atmosphere and zero chills. Typically, there’s nothing new on the table here at all, but then international filmmakers rarely strayed very far from the standard Stoker/Lugosi template. Sure, there’s a subplot thrown in about a pair of college students making like Burke and Hare, and vampire hunter Igor (Grek Martin) with his boiling cauldron of flashbacks, but it’s all just window dressing really.
The tried and tested ‘vampire in a dinner jacket’ formula has rarely looked so tired and perfunctory. But the setup was a proven box office winner and no doubt translated into decent viewing figures when the series debuted on TV.
And I expect it made K. Gordon Murray a few quid as well….
Mark David Welsh 