Lust for a Vampire (1971)

In 1830, forty years to the day since the last manifestation of their dreaded vampirism, the Karnstein heirs use the blood of an innocent to bring forth the evil that is the beautiful ... See full summary »

Director:

Jimmy Sangster

Writers:

Tudor Gates (screenplay), Sheridan Le Fanu (based on characters created by)

Stars:

Ralph Bates, Barbara Jefford, Suzanna Leigh

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ralph Bates	...	Giles Barton
Barbara Jefford	...	Countess Herritzen
Suzanna Leigh	...	Janet Playfair
Michael Johnson	...	Richard Lestrange
Yutte Stensgaard	...	Mircalla / Carmilla Karnstein
Helen Christie	...	Miss Simpson
Pippa Steel	...	Susan Pelley
David Healy	...	Raymond Pelley
Harvey Hall	...	Inspector Heinrich
Mike Raven	...	Count Karnstein
Michael Brennan	...	Landlord
Jack Melford	...	Bishop
Christopher Cunningham	...	Coachman
Judy Matheson	...	Amanda
Christopher Neame	...	Hans

Storyline

In 1830, forty years to the day since the last manifestation of their dreaded vampirism, the Karnstein heirs use the blood of an innocent to bring forth the evil that is the beautiful Mircalla - or as she was in 1710, Carmilla. The nearby Finishing School offers rich pickings not only in in the blood of nubile young ladies but also with the headmaster who is desperate to become Mircalla's disciple, and the equally besotted and even more foolish author Richard Lestrange.

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Plot Keywords:

castle | human sacrifice | obsession | family curse | resurrection | 

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Taglines:

A vampire's lust knows no boundaries...

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Genres:

Horror

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 September 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

Love for a Vampire

Filming Locations:

Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hammer Film Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Bernard Robinson was asked to be production designer but died hours after the offer was made.

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Goofs

Towards the end, there is a shot from the top of a carriage bursting out the castle gates. The entire camera crew is visible for several seconds in front of the cart.

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Connections

Referenced in Bride of Monster Mania (2000)

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Soundtracks

"Strange Love"
Music by Harry Robertson
Lyrics by Frank Godwin
Performed by Tracy

User Reviews

death in desire

Hammer took a different direction with this piece of Gothic cinema and broke some rules. Vampires walking about in daylight? For all its good points the biggest let down is the lack of references to the original Sheridan Le Fanu on which this supposed to be based. Hammer took a different direction with this piece of Gothic cinema and broke some rules. Vampires walking about in daylight? For all its good points the biggest let down is the lack of references to the original Sheridan Le Fanu on which this supposed to be based. Its predecessor 'Vampire Lovers' contained more references but I was hoping for a full and proper transcription of the book into celluloid. Tudor Gates appears undecided which direction to take the script. Yutte Stensgaard was cast at the time as she was famous on UK TV as Bob Monkhouse's co star in a game show. There she was required to look pretty and not say much as she showed objects to the audience. Think of the 'The Price is Right' hostesses. She went on to make a couple of film s which were more credible dramas. I first knew of her via a short story on the web which had a couple of photos attached to it. You can see why everyone thinks she gorgeous. A painting that was around at the same time was by the story's writer: an actor called Stephen Armourae who has reappeared in connection with ESP research and I know he's done more of other horror actresses including one about Barbara Stelle called 'Catherine' and another AJF. There was a rumour about an interview between him and Yutte if anyone knows more? I like this Hammer film as there is something quirky about it. Raven trying to be Lee. The change of casting to Ralph Bates is refreshing and more convincing. I can't see Cushing playing that lusting role. Bates is more suited. Also the eroticism could have been more, I agree with Armourae's review on this point; he has been trying to get film made loosely based on these Hammer themes but with greater erotic content whilst remaining tasteful. Watch this film as for all its flaws its still classic of its time.