Thirst (1979)

Director:

Rod Hardy

Writer:

John Pinkney (writer)

Release Date:

29 September 1979 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Tagline:

This ancient Evil is now a modern industry.

Plot:

The descendant of Elizabeth Bathory is abducted by a cult of self-proclaimed supermen who achieve this...

Plot Keywords:

Cult | Blood | Occult | Supernatural | Male Nudity

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Chantal Contouri	...	Kate Davis
Shirley Cameron	...	Mrs. Barker
Max Phipps	...	Mr. Hodge
Henry Silva	...	Dr. Gauss
Rod Mullinar	...	Derek
David Hemmings	...	Dr. Fraser
Rosie Sturgess	...	Lori
Robert Thompson	...	Sean
Walter Pym	...	Dichter
Amanda Muggleton	...	Martha
Lulu Pinkus	...	Nurse
Chris Milne	...	David
Jacqui Gordon	...	Leah
Val Christensen	...	Toni
Glenys O'Brien	...	Guide

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Australia:M (TV rating) | Australia:R | UK:18 | USA:R | UK:15 (re-rating :2003)

Filming Locations:

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Company:

F.G. Film Productions

Movie Connections:

Featured in Puberty Blues (1981)

Good and overlooked vampire film.

Kate Davis (Chantal Contouri) is abducted by a cult who inform her of her lineage (she's supposed to be a descendant of real-life historical figure Elisabeth Bathory) and believe that they can help fulfill her destiny. Confining her to a "farm" where they harvest human beings for their blood, they hope to convert her to the ways of vampirism and have her marry their leader. And they will resort to any means necessary to persuade her.

The screenplay by John Pinkney offers up yet another interesting variation on vampire tales. Part corporate satire, part disturbing mood piece, and also a blood-drenched and intense horror story, the film delivers some good scenes and images. Particularly effective is seeing humans lined up in rows as the blood is pumped out of them. It manages to build up some sympathy for its imperiled heroine, putting her through some good nightmare sequences. It also comes up with some twists and turns here and there. Overall, director Rod Hardy and company succeed in creating an interesting vampire story for the modern (circa 1979) age.

Co-stars Max Phipps (The Toadie in "The Road Warrior"), Rod Mullinar and Robert Thompson of another great Aussie horror film, "Patrick", are fine, while the always cool Henry Silva has little to do as one of the cult members. David Hemmings of "Blow-Up" and "Deep Red" is solid as the lone sympathizer to Kate's predicament. But the cast member who's the most fun is Shirley Cameron as the ruthless Mrs. Cameron.

Enhanced by a wonderfully spooky Brian May score, "Thirst" is a well made little shocker and worth seeking out.